Want Joy? Try Kindness
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Sometimes it’s a huge effort to pick up one foot, and the next, to take one simple step.
You may be standing still because you have no idea which direction to move in and no idea where to look for guidance, so why bother? You may believe it wouldn’t make a difference anyway, so why bother? You may think the world is going to hell in a hand basket so you’ll just keep doing what you’re doing and not be involved.
Makes sense to me. This planet of ours can be a tough place to call home. But beyond thinking, do you sometimes feel that itch, like there’s something “under your skin” you’re so wanting to soothe?
It’s that voice again. That part of you that feels uneasy, unhappy, unfulfilled. It’s telling you to pay attention. Who around you would benefit from a moment’s kindness? What if you were to take one small step and offer it without expectation or resentment. My guess is the itch will vanish. You may even discover a glow.
With a strong sense of purpose to support you, the trimmings of “success” may be rich indeed. But in “Real Life”, tons of money alone doesn’t tip the scale of joy. Once we move beyond being able to provide, the extra material wealth isn’t the place to look to for the experience of thriving.
Researchers at University of California, Berkeley tell us that while the number of millionaires in China has recently taken off, so has the prevalence of deep unhappiness.
For all of us who hold the belief that money creates happiness, here’s evidence to bust through that connection. Same goes for wealth and generosity. Aside from our philanthropists, the truth about charitable giving is that it is supported more by those of us who have something above “enough” rather than by those who have true wealth.
We’re all capable of giving kindness to a fellow human being. If you’re seeking increased life satisfaction, choose this direction the next time you find yourself thinking why bother.
