November 29, 2022

??? ???? ???? ????? ?? ?????? ?

An ancient Chinese proverb says, “?? ??? ???? ????????? ??? ?? ????, ???? ? ???. ?? ??? ???? ????????? ??? ? ???, ?? ???????. ?? ??? ???? ????????? ??? ? ????, ??????? ? ???????. ?? ??? ???? ????????? ??? ? ????????, ???? ????????.”

? Deriving happiness through helping others is a belief that dates back centuries. I was reminded of that this weekend when I came across my daughter’s latest doll display –– Ken, extending a helping hand to Barbie as she clung for dear life on the edge of our side table.

We often learn at an early age that giving is better than receiving. Science has backed up that belief, proving through functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) that altruism stimulates the same parts of our brain that derive pleasure from food and other ‘adult activities.’ Giving really does make us feel good. ?

But beyond personal pleasure, lending a helping hand to someone else provides a reciprocal benefit that can lead to our living a healthier, more meaningful life. When we help others, we help ourselves, for whatever we give out eventually returns to us, completing the circle. ?

This holiday season, consider a gift that keeps giving – kindness, self-sacrifice, philanthropy, offering your time and service to someone in need. It could be as simple as complimenting a stranger, donating blood or a jacket to someone in need, or running an errand for an older neighbor who lives alone.

“??????? ??? ?????? ??? ??? ?????? ??? ?????, ??? ?? ????? ?????? ??? ????? ??? ??? ??????.” – Unknown

How do you give back to others? Share your experiences in the COMMENTS below. ⬇️