5 ways to spread happiness

Photo Courtesy tony's pics

A perfectly easy way to be happy is to make others happy. They could be anyone - your family members, friends, co-workers or complete strangers. It is really weird how a few good words and a little extra time for others make so much difference in your life. As is expected from lazy bones like me, I was definitely not above considering volunteering a waste of time. It wouldn't help me, now would it? So why bother?

Well, one day I decided to bother, and have been hooked ever since. No, I don't make extended trips to poverty stricken areas or other such troubled zones. But spend a few hours to spread awareness about my pet issues and believe me, it has changed my life's perspective. Importantly, it gives me great satisfaction to think that I am making a difference.

How can we spread a little happiness and consequently gain a lot? Here are a few pointers:

1. Volunteer in non-profits: There are sevaral around and are generally short of staff. You can always ask them if they need some help. A few hours each week should be good enough. You can use whatever talent you have. If you are a born leader, organize fundraisers. If you can write, spread the word. If you like to teach, help out in schools.


2. Help monetarily: I still battle with my conscience about giving money to beggars. However, it is definitely possible to help out those who are genuinely working and still suffering. So if your housemaid is still getting the salary she got 3 years back, you can give her a raise. Or maybe, that gardener or car washer needs more than just 20 bucks for his work. Look at the work and pay fair.


3. Encourage the victims: If you keep your eyes and ears really open, you will see a lot of problems around - problems you can help with. Unsafe deliveries, neglect of girl child, no education, child marriage, child labor, violence at home - you see all this hapening every day. You can help by talking to the victim. A few words of encouragement and genuine concern can change a person's life.


4. Be empathetic: Not everyone is born with empathy. I, for instance, had to come out of my little cozy cocoon to really understand the problems of others. This trait may come naturally to you. So use it to understand why your house maid wants to be absent on a particular day you cannot do without her. Or why your husband prefers to be quiet when you have a thousand things to share. Or why your friend is still sulking about that no good boyfriend of hers.


5. Be polite: I really like people who watch their p's and q's and so, conclude that others will like me to be polite as well. Saying a "thankyou" or "sorry" may appear factitious to some, but it can be a source of happiness to others. A polite word of gratitude to the busy cab driver or the harried cashier can make him feel better. A little smile and small talk can make life's troubles more bearable. So go on, be sweet to others - you'll be surpirsed at how much they will like you for it.