Happy People Help People
I hope you had a nice Thanksgiving holiday and are now set for a great month of December. We sure did! We stayed close to home and spent time reflecting on all the things for which we were grateful. It is a long list, and we feel very blessed.
I started thinking about happiness. I tried to remember when I felt the happiest. Of course, there are those big moments, like when I got married, when my son was born, when I got a promotion, or when I won a new contract.
I was happy (and scared) when I left the wrong career and started my own business – first as a recruiter and then as a coach. I love having a career that is about helping people.
These things were nice, but I think I’m happiest when I’m doing something else. I’m happiest when I let go of my plans, goals, and agenda and simply help other people.
Happy People Help People
I noticed this when I put on an apron, cooked hamburgers, and then served lunch for the men who lived at the Durham Rescue Mission.
I noticed this when I packaged meals at the Durham Food Bank.
I noticed this when I helped clean up a home for an elderly person who needed to move to assisted living.
I noticed this when Tanya and I built flags for our Rotary Club’s “Flags for Heroes” charity event.
I notice this when Tanya and I volunteer at the café at our church on Sunday mornings.
Something happens to me when I’m completely immersed in helping or serving other people. It’s a sense of flow and contentment. It feels so good.
I’m not bragging. I don’t do nearly enough of this kind of volunteer work. I spend too much of my time hyper-focused on my goals and growth. You may be volunteering more than I do, and that’s awesome. I’m simply reminding myself that I’m the happiest when I’m out of my agenda, out of my head, and doing things that help other people. Period.
I don’t think I’m alone. In fact, science tells us that the act of helping other people is the “happiness trifecta.” It releases neurotransmitters known as dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin, which elevate our moods, reduce stress, and promote a sense of well-being.
The science is interesting, but I just know that I feel the best, happiest, most connected, and most at peace when I’m doing things that help other people. This will be a much bigger part of my 2025.
Please let me know if you feel a similar sense of happiness when helping people. I’d love to hear your stories. And if there’s any way that I can help you, please let me know.
Cheers!