Give Happiness

If you want to do one good thing in the world, the best thing you can do is give other people joy. Joy is not dependent upon outward circumstances. It is something we can have under all conditions—whether we are sad or happy.

There is a Chinese saying that goes: “If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap. If you want happiness for a day, go fishing. If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime, help somebody.”

This short story illustrates this point:

Once, a group of 50 people was attending a seminar. Suddenly, the speaker stopped and started giving each person a balloon. Each person was asked to write their name on it using a marker. Then all the balloons were collected and placed in another room.

The delegates were then asked to enter the room and find the balloon with their name on it within five minutes. Everyone frantically searched, colliding with each other, pushing around, and creating utter chaos. At the end of five minutes, no one had found their own balloon.

Next, the speaker asked each person to pick up a random balloon and give it to the person whose name was written on it. Within minutes, everyone had their own balloon.

The speaker explained: “Exactly this is happening in our lives. Everyone is frantically looking for happiness, not knowing where it is. Our happiness lies in the happiness of other people. Give them their happiness, and you will get your own.”

So, happiness is like a kiss—you must share it to enjoy it! A small act of giving can do wonders. Helping others may just be the secret to living a life that is not only happier but also healthier, wealthier, more productive, and meaningful.

But it’s important to remember that giving doesn’t always feel great. The opposite can be true—giving can sometimes make us feel depleted and taken advantage of. Here are some tips to help you give not until it hurts, but until it feels great:

1. Let passion be the foundation for giving. Generosity flows from love, not obligation. It’s not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving.
2. Give the gift of time. Time is often more valuable to the receiver—and more satisfying for the giver—than money.
3. Choose clear causes. Giving to a cause where you know how your contribution will be used creates more happiness than giving to an undefined purpose.
4. Align your skills with needs. Find ways to integrate your interests and talents with opportunities to help others.
5. Be proactive, not reactive. Avoid giving out of guilt or pressure. Give because you genuinely want to, not because you feel obligated.
6. Find what fits you best. When you discover a way of giving that matches your passion and personality, the more you give, the more you gain—purpose, meaning, and happiness.

Giving joyfully not only changes the lives of others—it transforms our own.