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The key to happiness is to help others
Happiness is a skill that is within our control
There is a Chinese saying that goes: “If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap. If you want happiness for a day, go fishing. If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime, help somebody.” For centuries, the greatest thinkers have suggested the same thing: Happiness is found in helping others.
Trust you have a lot to offer to the world. Everyone is creative and has their own unique set of gifts to improve the lives of those around them.
There are so many ways to help, from donating money or things you no longer use to volunteering at your favorite organization. Even smiling and being friendly to strangers or exchanging words of advice with friends can make a huge difference in someone's life. Every day is a chance to contribute to the world in a positive way.
Sometimes, we don't even know where to start... Sometimes we think we are not doing enough. But nothing beats being kind, compassionate and helpful to those around us.
The best part is that kindness is contagious. When we see someone else help another person, it gives us a good feeling, which in turn causes us to go out and do something charitable ourselves.
I will never forget the day my husband complimented my brother on his tie. Without hesitation, my brother took it off and gave to him. My husband immediately refused, but my brother insisted and after several back and forth my husband kept the tie. Actually, that tie is still in our wardrobe, it might not be fashionable anymore, but he can’t let go of it because it reminds him of that special moment. After this experience, a whole world opened up to me, as I discovered that we carry the potential of generosity in every interaction. The feeling of gratefulness was planted on us, and made us feel an imperious need to carry it forward to others. When we finally found a way to make a good deed ourselves, I realized why my brother did it in the first place. The feeling of being the giver, surpasses by far that one of being the receiver. Something bursts inside you. You feel giddy but calm, happy and in peace. That feeling becomes a daily need, your perspective shifts from being wrapped up with yourself to being busy doing little things for others to make their day better. Those actions spark little drops here and there that expand unbeknownst to us their reach, and by experience I know that whoever is touched by those ripples, will continue to do a little something to others, because the feel-good sensation, is contagious. One day, my family and I were walking in a field full of little flowers, my youngest child picked two and gave them to me, they were beautiful and colorful, then the middle child saw that and came to add up some more to my initial two flowers, some more walking and my oldest son found new flowers to add to the bunch. That moment was a very graphic expression on how the ripple effect of kindness happens and how it looks – It started with few flowers that were pretty, but ended up being a lovely bouquet made by many hands. Wouldn’t it be nice to be part of that bouquet? As you know, one of the questions I ask to my children at night is: What did you do to others and, how did that made you feel? This question has been such a powerful tool for them to consciously find opportunities to make someone else feel better and to their delight, have a little story to tell at night. There are so many other ways that people use to encourage that daily dose of happiness in their lives and in others: smile cards, suspended coffees, kindness calendars or just the pure will to spill around some good words and deeds, no strings attached. So, I have a little suggestion to encourage myself as much as anyone… Let’s find new little stories of kindness to tell ourselves every night.
I would argue that it is also crucial to think about how and where we eat. Life is crazy busy and good eating habits are one of the most important life skills that we can practice at every meal. So here are some tips for how you can become more mindful about the fuel you put into your body: 1. Start by reclaiming your pantry and fridge, filling them with only real, fresh, whole and local foods whenever possible. 2. Teach and learn how to cook. If there is no prep work in your meals, you are on the wrong path. Cooking needs time. It doesn’t have to be a lot of time; a focused 30 minutes can prepare a feast. But that preparation is key. Start easy, just cutting and mixing, then move onto the oven or the grill. 3. Don’t skip breakfast. Every day, start with a powerful dose of protein and calories to replenish your energy from the first meal of the day. It could be as easy as blending fruit, nuts, oatmeal and milk. Quick, filling and full of goodness! 4. Eat at home. Get the meal ready to serve and sit down at the table, with no distractions. Start a conversation, take your time, and enjoy the fruits of your labor. 5. Be aware of each and every bite. Be mindful of the flavors and textures. 6. Be practical. If you are having lunch at school or work, don’t let that derail you. It can be easy to prepare! Choose a protein (beans, tuna, chicken, etc.) and a carbohydrate (whole wheat bread, brown pasta, rice, plenty of vegetables). And for dessert: Fresh fruit. 7. Always drink plenty of water. You need at least half of your body weight in ounces. 8. Teach and learn where food comes from. Plant a garden; all you need is a window and sun. There is something magical about bringing flavors directly from the soil to your plate. End Food deserves appreciation and respect. Just think about the road a single fruit takes from the moment the seed is planted to the moment it reaches your mouth. Sun, soil, water, time, hard work, transportation and care are a part of each bite. Eat vibrant, nutrient-dense food and your body will in turn thrive. Enjoy and be truly thankful for it.