By Ahsan
“Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.”
Muhammad Ali
We all have a natural desire to be happy. How do we know this? Well, our choices, decisions, and dreams are often guided by what brings us joy and pleasure. Generally, the things we chase in life are aimed at achieving happiness and steering clear of anything that causes us pain or displeasure.
In essence, every action we take and every desire we nurture is centred around attaining a sense of well-being—or, in other words, happiness. This understanding can shed light on our motivations and help us empathize with others, as everyone shares this universal quest for pleasure while avoiding suffering.
But what about pain? Isn’t it simply the absence of happiness?
Interestingly, there’s a straightforward way to cultivate unhappiness, restlessness, or discontent: focusing entirely on yourself. Whether you’re dwelling on past grievances or worrying about the future, immersing yourself in self-centred thoughts can trap you in a cycle of negativity. You might find yourself ruminating about why certain events unfolded or how others are treating you, which inevitably leads to feelings of despair.
So, what’s the antidote to this self-imposed misery?
Consider this: instead of getting lost in your thoughts, seek opportunities to be helpful to others. Offering assistance to friends, family, or even volunteering for strangers can lead to a remarkable transformation. There’s a unique kind of joy that arises when you shift your focus from yourself to the well-being of others.
As the famous author and speaker Viktor Frankl once said,
“Happiness cannot be pursued; it must ensue.”
By recognizing that your happiness often follows acts of kindness and service, you can build a more fulfilling life.
At the end of the day, everyone grapples with some form of unhappiness or challenge. By lending a helping hand, an encouraging smile, or simply acknowledging someone’s existence, you can alleviate their moment of sadness.
In this spirit of service, we not only uplift others but also nurture our joy. As the renowned theologian Henri Nouwen expressed, “The great illusion of leadership is to think that man can be led out of the desert by someone who has never been there.” When we empathize and connect through our shared experiences, we remind ourselves of our potential for happiness.
If we consciously adopt this mindset of stepping out of our heads to focus on helping others, we can cultivate a perpetual state of well-being and happiness. Remember, fixating on oneself can lead to unhappiness, regret, and fear.
Instead, consider letting go of controlling everything and surrendering to a higher power, serving others in the process. By doing so, you’ll discover the path to genuine happiness and contentment.
Have An Awesome Day!
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