Whether you have found happiness in your life, or whether you are still searching for happiness, there is one guaranteed method that will make you happier yourself. That method, make someone else happy today.
I often times find myself going through the day in search of my own needs. What time do I have to be somewhere, what are some of the things that I need to accomplish, what are the emotions that I am feeling, and what is it that I want to be doing. These are just some of the things that I think about.
Notice how many “I’s” there are in that last sentence?
I am not saying that you should put the happiness of others before your own happiness. In fact, I actually believe that in order to make others happy, you have to first be happy yourself. What I am saying, is that when we make others happy, are are also becoming happier ourselves.
Think about the last time that you went out of your way and did something nice for someone else. Maybe you waited an extra ten seconds to hold the door open for someone. Maybe you bought some groceries for the person behind you. Or maybe you mowed the lawn for one of your neighbors.
Whatever act it was, do you remember what the reaction was from the person you did it for? Probably a thank you, a hug, and a smile.
Now, reflect on how you felt after that. Reflect on how you felt when you went out of your way and made somebody else happy. Odds are, you probably felt happier as well. It probably helped to put a smile on your face, and made you feel pretty good about yourself.
So if we are helping to make others happier in their life while making ourselves happier at the same time, then why in the world are we not going out of our way more often? Why are we not doing whatever it is that we can do to spread happiness into as many lives as we possibly can?
Nobody is asking you to bend over backwards. Just simply do what you think will help to put a smile on someone else’s face.
Hold the door open for a stranger and say hello.
Waive at someone and ask them how their day is going.
Take the time to ask somebody their name so that the next time you see that person, you will be able to call them by name.
Help someone carry their groceries to their car if you see that they have their hands full.
Give someone a compliment. Tell them that they look nice or that there efforts are being recognized.
Yeah, it is that easy. One of the best ways to put a smile on your face, is by putting a smile on the face of somebody else. If you don’t believe me, then go out and try it for yourself. Do something today that will put a smile on someone else’s face, and watch how much happier you will become.
Michael Bonnell
12/10/2018
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