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.

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!!

9 Responses

  1. One of my favorites! I love this post and I love you! Such truth! Thank you for the encouragement! I love that picture of us!:)

  2. Lovely post Deb. Thanks for sharing all this.
    And me too, I’m glad to live in a world where there are Octobers. Yay!
    I send you blessings.
    I wish you Miracles.

  3. Debbie this is one of the greatest Truth that has ever been told by Christ Himself. When I feel lonely I just go to the phone and call somebody who I know needs to hear from me. Sometimes I just get up and go see them. I am thankful for every season god had made. It reminds me we are in the late fall of life and winter is coming. With it will come the spring and that to me means I will soon be home with the saints of God. so your work on this earth is your writings to help all of us to keep loving each other, for this makes the brightness of the seasons. You have always lived for others. I love you Jody

  4. Hi Debbie, I really like this post and it’s so true…we all need others in our lives. To know others care can save a life. My friend just lost her son to suicide a little over a week ago. He had his parents love and concern, his own sons also. But some times it take someone who is not family to reach another. I hope you message reaches many. Blessings, xoxo, Susie

  5. Debbie, I am so proud of you for the work that you are doing on your writing blogs, books and other wonderful ideas. It is great to find your place in the world and then do a job to help others. We look forward to your continued success and for the “happiness” that you bring others, especially me.
    Dad

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