"Happiness begins where selfishness ends."
- John Wooden
In his book, How Happiness Happens, Max Lucado states that most people believe that happiness happens when you get, but real happiness happens when you give.
In so many ways this is true, just study the track record of lottery winners.
We are all purpose-driven beings and when we make a positive difference in the lives of others, we become internally rewarded and fulfilled.
Here are a few ways to practice generosity:
If you are by yourself, the plane is getting full with only middle seats open, and a couple is looking for two seats together, offer your aisle seat and take a middle seat in another row. You may be more uncomfortable physically but you will be more satisfied internally.
When you are in the grocery store line and the person behind you has just a few items, let them go ahead of you.
Rather than just sit with your familiar group of work friends in the cafeteria, ask the new employee to join you.
If someone is serving you well and working hard at a minimum wage job, give them a $20 bill, look them in the eye, and thank them for the great service.
Build a reputation as a giver, not a taker.
Life is a boomerang; what you send out, comes back.