A few weeks ago an old Helen Keller quote came to my mind and it has been on my mind ever since. I figure since it won't go away, maybe it's time that I share it.
"Happiness cannot come from without. It must come from within. It is not what we see and touch or that which others do for us which
makes us happy; it is that which we think and feel and do, first for the
other fellow and then for ourselves. "
It seems like we as a people are always looking for happiness. Who doesn't want to be happy, right? I know I want to be happy. But all too often we are told that happiness comes from your "status". Your car, house, weight, clothing, job title, how much money you make, plastic surgery, etc. While these things may bring some happiness, they don't bring the lasting joy that so many people are seeking.
Joy is found through serving other people. When we serve other people, we forget about ourselves and we focus on the needs of another. It is in these moments that we experience lasting joy and happiness.
With the holidays fast approaching, there are opportunities all around for us to serve. My challenge to you is this, go serve someone else. Volunteer at your local food bank, feed the homeless, visit with the seniors at a retirement home, go caroling, leave someone a plate of cookies, etc. I promise you that you will feel happiness as you serve. Now get after it!
Carpe Diem!
