I Want You to be Happier

If I told you to think of five people right now, who comes to mind? The five names that leapt into your mind most likely are those most important to you or those you’ve had recent contact with. Of those five who came to mind, it is very likely that one has hidden sorrows. One may be hiding deep unhappiness. One may have been praying for fellowship, while another prays for some help with an overwhelming to-do list.

All of us deal with loneliness, feelings of unworthiness and even hopelessness at times. We don’t advertise that we feel that way and often no one has a clue to the heart behind the mask.

It is easy to get caught in the trap of inward looking. In the swirl of the craziness of our own lives, all we see is our own less than happy feelings. Our to-so list stands before us like a looming tidal wave just waiting to crash on our heads and we struggle to get out of our own overwhelming little world.

Those five people need you. The world needs you. You have much to offer. Don’t wait until your ducks are in a row. Those unruly ducks will never get in line. Don’t wait until you have a free moment, there is no such thing. Look around and throw out a lifeline.

Hold tight to the lifeline that you throw to someone else, both ends can save a life. When you love your neighbor, it is two lives that are changed.

Today I just want to encourage you to make a difference in someone’s life. Take your eyes off your own troubles and see where you can show some love and kindness. It doesn’t need to be a grand gesture. Little small words and acts of kindness make a huge difference.

A little act can change two lives, theirs and yours. Here is my incomplete list of ways to love your neighbor.

• Listen to someone. Actually sit and listen. Don’t speak. Don’t prepare your response in your mind. Don’t disagree or offer quick fixes. Just listen.

• Let someone know that they are important. Everyone is important. Ask God to give you His heart for other people. With His heart, you will see others in a brand-new light. You will see the great value that is in each person. Let them know how valuable they are.

• Appreciate someone. Tell someone, “I appreciate you!” Let them know you are thankful for what they do or that you are just thankful for who they are. All of us do so much for others that no one knows about or no one sees. Being underappreciated causes such great heartache. Open your eyes and notice the efforts of others. Thank them and appreciate them.

• Include someone. So many people feel isolated and alone. Reach outside of your circle and invite someone in. Find opportunities to say, “Come sit with me today.”

• Show that you care. Find ways to show someone you care. It may be as simple as a phone call. In a world of texting, talk to someone. Send a card. Share a meal. Support their endeavor. Attend their events. Help them with their to-do list. Visit them.

  

We live in a society where it is too easy to let media be social instead of us. Step outside of your own life, even though you yourself may feel overwhelmed and unhappy. It doesn’t make sense that when we ourselves feel so needy that the answer is to focus on someone else but it is true. Our own problems don’t become smaller as we gaze at them. They don’t go away when we shut ourselves off from others while we attempt to get it all together. You may find that your own happiness will come when you give it to others.

So, the answer to, “How can I be happier?” is to give the happiness that you seek to someone else.

Change someone’s world today. Go spread some happiness.

 

Yipee! It’s October! “I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” L. M. Montgomery the author of Anne of Green Gables 

Download my eBook 75 Seasonal Pleasures – Autumn. In it you will find 75 delightful ideas on how to enjoy this colorful season. Find inspiration for things to do with and for friends. Go spread some autumn happiness.  CLICK HERE!!