We often talk about happiness. Did you know helping others can improve your happiness level?
Who doesn’t want to increase their happiness level?
As we go through our very busy lives, it can be difficult to pause from what is happening in our world and focus on someone else. One of the greatest gifts we have in this world to help us through the good and bad times is each other.
What do you feel qualifies as helping someone else? Money? Hours of time? A long-term commitment?
There are many things you can do to help someone else. Doing it out of kindness and not obligation will help your happiness level improve. I am not talking about the day-to-day stuff we do for people such as a mom caring for your children or a child caring for your parents or something at work that is part of your job description. Although these can be positive things to elevate your happiness, I am talking about the extra acts of kindness.
Have you ever paid for someone’s food at a drive-through window? Do you hold the door for other people? Do you compliment the cashier for their hair or smile, or if they aren’t smiling, what is something nice to say to make them smile?
Each of these are simple acts, most of it doesn’t cost you a dime, and yet it can bring a smile to someone else’s face and improve their happiness. And these small acts of kindness can boost your happiness, too.
To go a little deeper when was the last time you did something kind for a friend or family member that was a surprise to them. Something unexpected to be helpful or to show appreciation or your love for them?
I had one of these moments on the receiving end, and yes, it definitely boosted my happiness level. We were on a family trip, and as we all know, any time you spend a full week with family or a group of friends, sometimes you need a few moments to step away for some quiet time.
One day during this trip, I escaped from the main living space to another room. I was sitting on the bed, looking through my phone and enjoying a few moments of quiet.
My daughter came in and laid on the bed beside me. She was quiet for a few minutes and then the words she said brought tears to my eyes and warmed my heart. Without looking at me, still laying there with her eyes closed, she said “I’m really glad you’re my mom. I know it’s hard sometimes, but I know you were meant to be our mom.”
Wow! Love those moments. [proud mom smile]
Those simple words created love, happiness, and appreciation for both of us. To help another person, it doesn’t mean it has to be a grand production. It can be as simple as sharing your feelings. Taking the time to tell somebody you love them can create happiness. Taking the time to just sit and talk, to ask about their day, or to ask them to share a fun story with you that has happened in their lives.
I challenge you to raise your happiness level! For the next week, make it a point to do an act of kindness EVERY DAY. I am not trying to add to your busy schedule, just keep it simple.
Look someone in the eye, smile and wish them a good day.
Pay for someone’s food in a drive through line.
Hold the door for someone behind you and tell them to have a good day.
Tell someone their hair looks nice or you like their shirt or something you have observed about them.
Call or visit someone you love to just say hi. Ask them how they are and LISTEN to them.
When you are around someone at a store or in a restaurant that is wearing a name tag, thank them for helping you and call them by name. Even if they did not do much for you, thank them and show them sincere kindness; you never know how their day has been.
Doing some of these simple gestures can change the trajectory of someone’s day, and typically, you feel it too. Kindness fuels happiness in those around you.
Accept the challenge and increase your happiness level. If we all do our part, we will change this world. iChoose Kindness!
Sending peace, love and joy to you my friend. Sam
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