Saturday, January 16, 2016

If you want 2 be happy, know where you stand!

click on image to enlarge

If you draw a circle around yourself, where do you stand?   There are always opposite personalities, and others who do not think the way you do.  There are givers and takers, and I would like to pose the question…”Where do you stand?”   Are you a giver or a taker?
I have drawn up an image to illustrate this for you.  I drew two circles, and put two people inside the circle.  These people represent you and someone else close to you.  Then, I have placed a word balloon coming out of each circle that says two different things.
  1.    Humm… what can they do for us?    
  2.  What can we do for others?

Some people will, like the famous quote(1) draw a circle around themselves and not let anyone else inside their circle.  All of their focus is directed to what is inside that circle, and unfortunately they are only thinking about themselves,  but become so self-absorbed and selfish, all they can think about is #1, which represents what others can do for them, to make them happy, or successful.  Unfortunately for them, they miss out on the more important things in life that makes people truly happy.  They think so much about what they can get from others, never considering that they could contribute, pay back or pay it forward, because they are the single most important people in their world.  Nobody else matters, except for those who they can get something from, to improve their lives.

On the other hand, there are other people, who are the polar opposite of the ones we just described.  These are the Givers,# 2 circle, the unselfish, who don’t ask what others can do for them, but ask, “What can they do for others.”  These are the people who look outside their circle, and will draw others in to join them, expanding their circle to including others, make true friendships, and look outwards instead of inward.  They are not selfish, but generous with all they have, helping the poor and needy, others who are burdened with trials, and grief.  They are the lifters, the givers, the unselfish and are indeed true friends.  As time goes by, their circle expands to fit all who would want to join them, and these people are the happy ones. 

Quite a difference between these two circles talked about.  My suggestion is to look at your own circle, and determine which of these two examples best illustrates or fits you.  Then ask yourself… “Am I happy?”  If your answer is No, then you and only you have the ability to change your world, your destiny and your life’s outlook.  The key here is to not make your whole focus on yourself and your own self-interests, but to enlarge your circle to draw others in, reaching out with service, friendship and charity.  When you do this, you will feel so different, and understand that people need people, and the only way to be happy is to go outside of yourself, and genuinely let others in, and with no strings attached.  It isn’t what others can do for you that will make your life happy, but what you can do for others that will bring you true joy and happiness.

So, to sum it up… If you want to be happy, know where you stand, and enjoy a richer and happier life!  If you would like to see another great way to be happy, please go to this link:  https://www.mormon.org/beliefs/how-to-be-happy