Secret to Happiness?

Who wouldn't pay a great deal of money to get the REAL secret to happiness? Of course the answer might lie in that old line actor Jack Palance said to Billy Crystal in City Slickers, "it's different for everyone."

But one ingredient of happinss is a given; the more we find ways to give away what we've got, the more fulfilled, successful, healthy and down right happy we typically become. Sarah Bernhardt said it is by spending ourselves that we will be rich, and in a time that people typically think scarcity (because in their minds there just isn't enough to share), then this mindset of generosity is even more important.

How easy it is to believe there is only doom and gloom on the horizon, no matter how optimistic we might otherwise be. And that mentality is like a bad case of the flu, very contagious. But sharing, giving of oneself is also contagious. And the more we give, the more we spread the word that there are so many ways to fulfill our needs. There is an enormous difference in wearing the rose colored glasses of denial, and in realizing that times might be tough, but that's when (as the old saying goes) the tough get going, think of new strategies, ideas, directions, and support others in the process.

As an example, two different colleagues have told me about business aquaintances who have more business than they can handle. "How can that be," I asked, considering the times we're living in. Both answers were the same; somehow these two people just seemed to make it happen. And one of the two I know; she is willing to share her ideas, her time, her expertise. Obviously her generosity is coming back to her in a variety of ways.

Giving away our wisdom, knowledge, talents and experience to support others is a wonderful way to replenish ourselves, make contacts, and keep our focus on all that we have After all, we can't give it away unless we have it first, right?

We're all so busy, but if you can spare five minutes today to share your talents or help someone else to shine, it can become addictive! We always lead by making others powerful, and the more we encourage others’ successes, the more we create a model for abundance. Of course it feels pretty good too!

Have a wonderful week.