Happiness in Giving, Part III

Today we will conclude our discussion on happiness and giving…

• Helping those in need just feels good!

It doesn’t matter if you’re making a financial donation or sharing your time or other resources – it just feels good to help others.  That feeling also grows when you make giving a regular habit, regardless of the size of the contributions.  The more you do for others, the better you’ll feel about yourself.  If you want to enhance that good feeling even further, give anonymously.  You’ll be blessing others without expecting to receive anything in return; and instead allow giving to be its own reward – which makes the reward that much sweeter!

You may feel that you don’t have anything to give to others right now – and this is especially true if you’re experiencing serious financial troubles or other lack.  However, giving in ANY way can immediately make you feel happier and more abundant!

Become a mentor for children or young adults. Volunteer in your child’s classroom, become a big brother or big sister, volunteer in your church or place of worship as a leader or teacher.

Do you have specialized skills or training?  Donate your expertise to a non-profit organization for a few hours a week. 

Are you good at making others laugh and feel good?  Volunteer at a hospital or elderly care facility.  These people are just screaming for attention.  I saw it when my grandmother was in a nursing home. 

There are endless ways to reach out to others, and only a few of them involve money.

If you truly have nothing else to give, become a “goodwill ambassador” and make it your mission to go around spreading kind words and support to the people you meet each day.  When you notice that a public servant is having a bad day, say something to make them smile.  Compliment your co-workers.  Express your appreciation to a police officer, firefighter or soldier.  Tip your waiter, hair stylist and cab driver generously, or leave a handwritten note thanking them for the excellent service.   Handwritten notes go a long way in this often impersonal digital age.

These are all such small gestures – but they have a huge impact, both on the one who receives and the one who gives.