The greatest happiness in the world is to make others happy. Luther Burbank
Laugh, and the world laughs with you: Weep, and you weep alone; are the famous lines which sets the tone of the poem Solitude by Ella Wheeler Wilcox which captures the essence of today’s quote. Just visualize the times you have laughed the most and it will occur to you that it is when you are with friends that you really have a great time. Obviously it means someone triggers the fun and frolic and the cheer is infectious that soon everyone is enjoying and gregarious.
Happiness is feeling that elates, elevates and enthuses and so is the cure for most problems. A person who can spread happiness is like a savior for many. Take the case of the old and the destitute living in abject misery and loneliness. They pine for company and if it is someone who is cheerful and extrovert the misery and loneliness are soon forgotten and they are transported to a different world where they forget themselves. Similar is the case with the sick and invalid. They seek someone to bring some happiness in their lives so that their miseries are put on the back burner. Go to an orphanage or a prison and once you get over your own inhibitions you will soon realize that the inmates there are just as normal as you and me and they have the same need to be happy and cheerful as any other person.
Happiness has no boundaries; no age limits, educational or social barriers, nor gender barriers either. In fact happiness has no barriers at all; neither of living and dead; human, animal or vegetation; past present or future. The sweet memories of people long dead and gone bring back a warmth in our hearts and we still laugh at the comedies of Charlie Chaplin or a Laurel and Hardy. See the joy and happiness that pets bring into our lives and the crazy antics and behavior displayed by animals warms our cockles. Happiness can be spread using all means of communication be it physical, visual or audio. A warm hug, a big smile, a love letter, a wedding video or just memories trigger in us the happy feeling that spreads within us and spills over to those around and the environment around too.
Spreading happiness is as simple as giving a pat on the back or genuine praise or a heartfelt thank you. It costs nothing but it requires us to be observant, large hearted and genuine. There are times when one would need to see the bright side of things especially when things are going wrong; a good coach/ mentor / superior/ elder can play a vital role in cheering up a despondent environment and restoring confidence when it is low. In today’s day and age the email and SMS provide ample scope to spread happiness; the problem though is that we confuse risqué jokes/ crass humor and vulgar messages to mean instant happiness pills. Real happiness should elevate the mind and spirit without the hangover of a cheap feeling. A hearty laugh, a joyous heart and a lingering positivity equals pure concentrated happiness.
Remember: “Happiness is like a kiss…you must share it to enjoy it.”
Try this:
- Since we started with the first lines of the poem Solitude by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, you must read the poem. Pay attention to the first and 5th line of each verse and notice how each of those lines represent a shade of happiness. Click on the link to read the poem http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/solitude/
- Make lists as under, each of which reflects ‘your happiness stimulant’
- A list of people who make you happy
- A list of things that make you happy
- A list of events that make you happy
- A list of your favorite jokes / TV programs / movies/ books that make you happy
This post is courtesy www.actspot.com
You are also invited to visit our WEEKLY Inspirational and Motivational Blog www.poweract.blogspot.com
