It Is in Giving That We Receive Happiness
By: Nancy Howard,
SparkPeople Blogger
12/19/2009 2:40 PM
: 87 comments
: 11,595 Views
For many of us this time of year brings the opportunity to help others. I am a true believer that when we give our time, talent or treasure to others we truly receive one of the greatest blessings in life. Giving back or helping those in need is what connects us to others and makes us happy and studies are proving this to be the case. It is truly what living is meant to be.
In just a few short days I will be celebrating my 4 year SparkVersary which means I have spent countless hours perusing the message boards. Over the course of four years I have seen complete strangers reach out to help others and what an amazing event it is to witness. Friendships are made and solidified as our members connect. And who can better to relate to our situation than others who have walked in similar shoes.
This past weekend I had the pleasure to participate in the White Rock Marathon Relay in Dallas with a handful of my high school classmates from 30 years ago. I had the last leg of the relay which meant waiting well over 3 hours after the race began for my turn to run. Fortunately, we had shuttle buses available to take us to our prospective baton exchange point. While sitting on the bus with other relay runners, I had the pleasure of chatting with four women. I was talking with a woman from New Mexico who was wearing a Team Lizzie shirt. She proceeded to tell me she was running for a foundation based out of Kearney, Nebraska--TEAM LIZZIE-- in honor of Lizzie Stratton a 14 year young lady who succumbed to a rare form of liver cancer in 2007. She spoke with such passion for this cause it actually made me wish I had a cause to run for.
In just a few short minutes there was a connection. And this woman was not alone in her quest to run to help others. There were teams running for Team in Training, Team Owen and many other great charities. It was so touching to see people running for a cause, other than just to finish a marathon, half-marathon or marathon relay that it has inspired me to find a charity for next year.
So how can we find happiness this holiday season?
Well, studies have confirmed that when we give money to help others, no matter how big or small the amount that we give, it makes us happy. So if you think dropping some spare change in the Salvation Army kettle doesn't matter, think again. Or reaching out to others in need on the message boards doesn't matter, think again. For many of us doing just a small deed to help others can make us happy and makes us feel good about ourselves. I can't think of a better way to celebrate the holidays than to find happiness in helping others. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!. May the gift of giving journey well beyond the holiday season.
Have you found that giving to others makes you happy? Have you discovered that your whole mood shifts just by offering a kind word or gesture to someone else?
In just a few short days I will be celebrating my 4 year SparkVersary which means I have spent countless hours perusing the message boards. Over the course of four years I have seen complete strangers reach out to help others and what an amazing event it is to witness. Friendships are made and solidified as our members connect. And who can better to relate to our situation than others who have walked in similar shoes.
This past weekend I had the pleasure to participate in the White Rock Marathon Relay in Dallas with a handful of my high school classmates from 30 years ago. I had the last leg of the relay which meant waiting well over 3 hours after the race began for my turn to run. Fortunately, we had shuttle buses available to take us to our prospective baton exchange point. While sitting on the bus with other relay runners, I had the pleasure of chatting with four women. I was talking with a woman from New Mexico who was wearing a Team Lizzie shirt. She proceeded to tell me she was running for a foundation based out of Kearney, Nebraska--TEAM LIZZIE-- in honor of Lizzie Stratton a 14 year young lady who succumbed to a rare form of liver cancer in 2007. She spoke with such passion for this cause it actually made me wish I had a cause to run for.
In just a few short minutes there was a connection. And this woman was not alone in her quest to run to help others. There were teams running for Team in Training, Team Owen and many other great charities. It was so touching to see people running for a cause, other than just to finish a marathon, half-marathon or marathon relay that it has inspired me to find a charity for next year.
So how can we find happiness this holiday season?
Well, studies have confirmed that when we give money to help others, no matter how big or small the amount that we give, it makes us happy. So if you think dropping some spare change in the Salvation Army kettle doesn't matter, think again. Or reaching out to others in need on the message boards doesn't matter, think again. For many of us doing just a small deed to help others can make us happy and makes us feel good about ourselves. I can't think of a better way to celebrate the holidays than to find happiness in helping others. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!. May the gift of giving journey well beyond the holiday season.
Have you found that giving to others makes you happy? Have you discovered that your whole mood shifts just by offering a kind word or gesture to someone else?
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Comments
Lately we have been donating lots of needed items to a homeless shelter - sheets, comforters, towels, toiletries, coats, and so on. They need this so much more than others - and shelters for women are RARE around here! We seem to only think of men when addressing the homeless situation, but serious help is needed for women, too. This is a plea to all - think of these unfortunate people, many from abusive situations, mental problems, former addicts, when giving ... and they could always use more than just cash. - 12/9/2011 11:18:25 AM
It felt so great ! And to watch my co-workers eyes light up when they opened a barbie doll; or some legos was incrediable.
I hope we can expand this to my whole work location next year. We are all so very blessed, those with health, careers; families; and friends. It is good to give back.
I try to live my life by helping anyone who comes across my path in need, if it is within my power; possible; does not negatively impact anyone else; and legal ! - 12/22/2009 8:43:23 AM
- 12/21/2009 10:27:34 PM
I always try and compliment and encourage others. I love being a part of Spark so I can continue to be an encourager, which is what I believe my ministry is supposed to be. Spark has helped me reach my goad and maintain it for a year and a half now. It's my turn to give back. - 12/21/2009 3:06:31 PM
Maybe, but the fact is that I am the Co-Founder of the team. About a year ago, I retired when my wife retired and I thought I would step back and let others of our leadership team run things.
What a horrible mistake. My depression reactivated, I found myself not wanting to leave my house or even get dressed. Visiting others became an activity I found really difficult to do because it activated my Anxiety syndrome.
After about a month, I found myself back on the team, but more as a contributor than the leader of the team. I still contribute to the team by reaching out to many of our team members, but I don't do it seven days a week. That made my wife happy.
It's very difficult for me to receive attention and help, but when I am able to give attention and help to others, I feel like the empty spaces inside me fill up and makes all of my mental health issues take a step back.
"It's better to give than receive" is heard mostly around the holidays. I strongly believe that it applies all year long. - 12/21/2009 1:05:59 PM
That was 25 years ago---and she works at the local hospital and has for all those years. she speaks at the community college every year to women whose education is being paid to get off welfare. She tells them that it is a rewarding factor to be a single parent and have a good job to provide for your family. - 12/21/2009 11:05:23 AM
I have always givng without wanting anything in return. God has given us all a gift. Just being available for people in need has been a blessing since I'm not working I help out whomever or where ever I can, I guess being in the retail business years ago prepared me for whatever comes my way, I am grateful for seeing the joy of helping or giving to others My prayers go out to LADYFOLDER
we have experience the same hardship/disabllity for my husband it took 7 yrs before he got it. God will provide then need just ask. Thanks SP for asking this question and may the new year be wonderful for all. Merry Christmas ya'll healthy happy NEW YOU in the New year. Peace, Darlene - 12/21/2009 8:19:31 AM
Yes, I am receiving some $ compensation for my service, but the rewards of service come when a client gives tearful thanks, or a spontaneous hug because I have made a difference for him or her. I have also learned to allow others to feel better about themselves through helping me. My physical therapist has graciously allowed me to use his gym and machines twice a week. His commitment to me helps keep me stronger and prevent some falls. I know because I fall once or twice a week now, but when a combination of my schedule and his hours due to a holiday prevented me from coming in for 2 weeks, I was falling every day. It took almost 2 months to regain what I lost in 2 weeks.
Yes, I have frustration at my poverty, and even more frustration that SS doesn't think I am disabled, or in need of supplemental income, but I am still able to help others. I am not suffering from depression. I just keep hanging in there and trying to grin and bear it through th physical pain.
And I will submit my 5th application for disability. . . . - 12/21/2009 8:05:53 AM
I'm the one that gets the rewards :) - 12/21/2009 7:00:20 AM
Our latest is knitting and crocheting hats and scarves for chemotherapy patients. My hairdresser hosts parties through the Cancer Society and teaches them to draw on eyebrows, do their makeup, care for a wig and tie scarves. Now at the end of the class they can take home a hat or scarf. She says that they have a blast trying them on.
My problem is when I feel that my "generosity" has been taken advantage of. For example: one very cold day my little girl and I were ringing the Salvation Army bell when out comes these 2 women, carts piled high with toys and one of them says "No, I didn't buy ______ because it was too expensive. I'll just put that on my Salvation Army list and they'll buy it for us and then I can get him all of the other things." Now mind you, what they were taking about was a toy that was well over $100. Is that what my daughter and I were out there ringing that bell for? So she could have an entire cart full of toys and an expensive $100+ toy too? Had a very hard time explaining that one to my very sharp daughter, who also picked up on the irony of it all when she would not be getting that toy because it was too expensive, yet we were out there ringing the bell for the "poor" people. "Aren't we poor too then Mommy?" - 12/20/2009 10:37:08 PM
The best one I found is Oxfam. They use their resources wisely to help build skills in communities in need through many different programs.
Here is the American website (I support Oxfam in Australia)
http://www.oxfamamerica.org/whowear
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Growing up here in OZ my family supported St Vincent's or "Vinnies" and we were actively involved in all aspects of community care and advocacy.
As a little girl, my greatest thrill at this time of year was Carol singing in Elderly peoples homes - a tradition I plan to initiate with my son's class next year.
- 12/20/2009 9:28:30 PM
Some fairly popular charities have controversial or questionable practices or are poorly administrated.
The Salvation Army, for example, practices forms of discrimination that some people agree with and others find unacceptable. Unfortunately, (based on the stunned comments that come out whenever a particular incident happens to hit the news at least), many of the people who disagree with their practices are unaware of exactly what they're supporting.
There's nothing wrong with people who agree with them (or any other charity) supporting them. It's just best to be informed so that you don't end up supporting things that you would actually find objectionable. - 12/20/2009 5:43:40 PM
Merry Christmas!! - 12/20/2009 5:22:26 PM
Merry Christmas! - 12/20/2009 4:47:14 PM
I do it ont in the spirit that it makes me happy but in the spirit that it will make some else happy or at least lessen their burden. - 12/20/2009 1:59:37 PM
I do it ont in the spirit that it makes me happy but in the spirit that it will make some else happy or at least lessen their burden. - 12/20/2009 1:55:21 PM
Another great blog, Coach Nancy!
~ Happy Holidays ~ - 12/20/2009 12:36:46 PM
It felt really good. - 12/20/2009 10:15:21 AM
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