“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.”  Chinese Proverb

How did you feel the last time you volunteered to help someone in need?

Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them.  If you can help your neighbor now, don’t say, “Come back tomorrow, and then I’ll help you.”  (Prov. 3:27,28; NLT)

Happiness.  We’ve been talking about ways to create happiness for a couple of weeks now.  Hopefully you’ve picked up a couple of recurring themes.  One, happiness is, to a great extent, a function of what you are thinking about.  Two, what you think about is a choice that’s within your power to make.  Granted, it may take a little more self-discipline at first, but just like exercising any muscle, choosing the more positive (happier) thoughts becomes easier and easier the more you do it.

Today’s tip from our list of 30 (see 1/4/08 DG) is number 12–Volunteer.  “When you give to others, whether that’s money or the stuff you no longer need or your time and love, you become happier. It’s true. Take 5 minutes today to call a charity and volunteer to donate some time sometime this month. It will make a big difference in your life.”  Hmmmm…sounds like the same song, second verse.

It makes no difference what’s going on in your life, with very little effort you can find someone, or maybe even a whole group of people, who have it much, much worse than you do.  You have a choice…focus on your issues and ignore those less blessed, or focus on their issues with an intent to help them and consequentially ignore yours.  (I don’t necessarily condone ignoring all your issues, but I am suggesting that you give it a whole lot less energy.)  I can guarantee that when you begin to step out to help others, your life will change as a result.  That’s because your whole mental outlook on life will change.  You will likely become a lot more grateful for your particular situation.  You will find yourself smiling more…maybe a lot more.  Voila…you’re happier!!!

Sound a little too simplistic?  Make the choice to give it a try.  You can’t go wrong.

Prayer Power
Lord, open our eyes to see the needs of others that we are in a position to help.  Then give us the grace to reach out and help them.

Link of the Day
Volunteer Match

Blessings on you as you reach out to help someone that’s in a worse place than you are.