Spreading Joy

"The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up" - Mark Twain

 

We all want more joy and happiness in our lives. The key is learning how to obtain it, as well as maintain it. Think about it: What brings you joy? What makes you happy? What makes you feel good? Others are likely to be craving the same or similar things. Pay attention and find out what those things are. Figure out ways that you can help others.

 

One surefire way for us to experience more joy is to spread it to others. When we help others cope with their problems, it somehow makes our own seem less pressing. We redirect the attention off of us to help support the needs of our own. The advice we give: count your blessings, this too will pass; what doesn't kill you makes us stronger, can't help but affect our own thinking. If we help distract others from whatever is weighing on them, we can also be distracted from our own burdens in the process. Helping others is not only good for them and the right thing to do, but it also makes us happier and healthier too. We get, in return, more of what we give.

 

But I know that giving isn't as always as easy as it sounds. Sometimes if we are only focused solely on others, we can end up feeling depleted and defeated. Worn out and exhausted.

 

Here are some keys to help guide you and make giving more exhilarating in the process:  

 

Find your purpose. What is your 'Why?" What drives you and moves you? What are you passionate about? Do you want to live a life of significance? Are you driven to make a difference? Do you enjoy finding ways to add value to others? If we know what drives us and pour that into our giving, then our giving becomes rewarding as we fulfill our purpose and passion.

 

Really know what others are passionate about. Maybe they genuinely enjoy helping others. Did you ever stop to think that maybe they are driven by wanting to help you? By asking them for their opinion, or for their assistance or help, it may be rewarding for them? Once again, pay attention. One of the worst things you can do to someone who truly wants to give our help is to decline their offer.

 

Find ways to integrate your interests and skills with the needs and wants of other people. Include others in things you already enjoy doing. Teach someone something new. We selflessly give when we don't realize we are doing it.

 

Prepare for it. Expect it. Seek it out. In other words, be intentional about giving and adding value to others. I often talk about Intentional Acts of Kindness, which is to say they are not accidental or coincidental; they are done with purpose and on purpose. You become proactive about it instead of just responsive and reactive. You give all the time, not just when it is needed.

 

How can you spread more joy today? Be the reason someone else smiles today! If we can find ways to selflessly give to others, to help others achieve more joy and happiness, the reward becomes two-fold as you not only help them, but it helps you too in return.

 

Make today great!

 

Curtis

"Joy is increased by spreading it to others." -  Robert Murray McCheyne