?calico cat on top of green tufted armchair? by Tucker Good on Unsplash
Have you ever stopped and thought how it was that you go to this extraordinary time in history and not in another? Why was it that you were blessed to live in the incredible world that we have created up to this point? Of course, the world is by no means perfect, but do the bad things outweight the good things?
I would argue that there are so many more reasons to be happy than there to be sad.
We are small, yes; but to say that because we are small therefore don?t mater in the grand scheme of earth is simply incorrect. We may be small, but we can have an incredible impact on the earth or even the history. We may be small, but we are currently in complete control of right now at this moment. We are currently in control of our present moment and therefore we can control the future. Let?s learn to live a life that allows us to pass on legacy on this world and giving a greater impact to history. To me, this means living humble, being kind, and giving. It is the right thing to do ? but this can actually help you get ahead in life.
The Art of Being Humble
In a world that seems to reward those who shout the loudest, humility can feel like an outdated virtue. We like humble people. They?re not trying to impress anyone ? at ease with themselves ? and they can take a compliment without letting it go to their head. They say thanks, and they mean it.
Being humble in life is important, and there has been a debate recently about what it means to be humble
Being humble means you do things out of the kindness of your heart, without the expectation of anything in return; even gratitude. So when people asked ?why would I do that if I?m not getting anything??. My response is always ?because it?s called being human.?. Being generous is not a bad thing, and being humble about your generosity is how it supposed to be.
People respond well to humility because it shows that you place yourself at the same level as them, and not above them. Plus, it has other benefits too. Humble people have higher self-control ? and it is key to a successful life. Humble people are better able to cope with anxiety with life after death ? and on average, more helpful than average people. In addition, studies show that being humble generally leads to better work performance. So even if you?re a little overconfident on the inside, practicing humility can actually get you ahead.
Perhaps the key to humility is seeing life as a journey towards cultivating those qualities that bring out the best in ourselves and others and make this world a better place. And this journey is not just for average person, but one that many of our greatest leaders have embarked upon.
The Art of Being Kind
Although kindness is encouraged by every major religion and is recognized as a value in many cultures, sometimes it?s really hard to be kind. We all know it. In fact, at some points in our life, it feels easier to be unkind ? especially when we?re not in a great place in life and we feel like the whole word is standing against us. But ? underneath we are all vulnerable and as Plato once said ?be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.?
Research conducted by Dr. Michael Tomasello of the Max Planck Institute, demonstrated that children begin to help others at an astonishingly early age. For example, a 15-month-old child seeing an adult experience difficulty, such as struggling to open a door because their hands are full, will automatically attempt to help. In other words, when we perform acts of kindness, we are being true to our own nature, and this makes us feel good.
The simplest acts of kindness are far more powerful than a thousand heads bowing in a prayer ? Mahatma Gandhi
A fascinating feature of kindness is that it appears to be contagious. Simply put, when we ourselves perform an act of kindness, this is likely to encourage other to act in a similar way. When we are kind, we help make our world a kinder place to live in ? because seeing someone else help another person produced good feelings, which subsequently caused them to reach out and do something kind themselves.
While there are so many research to show the benefits of kindness, it seems clear that doing good for others can also do good for us. Practice a habit of kindness making for a better relationship with yourself as well as with others. This is sure to bring greater happiness and joy into your life. Above all, be kind to yourself! See yourself as a person of worth, doing the best you can with what you have.
The Art of Giving
It feel good to give. The truth is that giving back is good for both the giver and the recipient. Studies even prove that there are amazing benefits to giving, whether you are taking on a regular volunteer position, donating money, or simply doing a random act of kindness. A study from Harvard Business School found that giving money to someone else lifted participant?s happiness more than spending it on themselves.
Giving is not a zero sum game. The more you give the more you have.
A wide range of research has linked different forms of generosity to better health, even among the sick and elderly. A 1999 study led by Doug Oman of the University of California, Berkeley, found that elderly people who volunteered for two or more organizations were 44% less likely to die over a five-year period than were non- volunteers. Generous people live longer than people who don?t give.
Since depression affects millions of people today, this is an important discovery. Giving counters depression. Researchers found that people in addiction double their chances of success when they help others. When we focus on others, we learn more about ourselves. The same idea is being used to help people suffering from depression and other disorders.
These are just the tip of the iceberg. The habit of giving comes with so many advantages ? not only to those on the receiving end, but to those doing the giving too. You can think of it like a circle. If we give, we benefit others, which circle back around and benefits us.
?person wearing white long-sleeved shirt holding pink flower petals? by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
There?s so much that you can give ? your time, your warmth, your friendship, your listening ear, or a shoulder to lean on. Whatever you decide to give, know that pure spitia and a generous heart can be your own path to real happiness. We live in a world where not everyone is as fortunate as the others. If you?re able, give to others.
It might seem obvious that humility, kindness, and calmness are positive traits. But they don?t just help others ? they help you and make your life easier. Everyone you?ve ever met is trying to do the exact same thing you are. Life is a lot easier when you accept that yo aren?t the only one living it.
