good life

[Marysblue]

80 yr Harvard study of adult development..

The happiest adults were the ones who could turn the question what can I do for myself into what can I do for the world beyond me.

Called Generativity.

I am Reading book... The Good Life about this study.

[b1b1b1]

Yes, I think that is very good advice, but it is hard to put into practice. I think depressed people especially have such a habit of thinking about themselves and their problems. It's a good thought though to try to develop a habit of looking outwards and helping others.

[Agora1]

It's worked for me Marysblue. Actually, it was during my most stressful times

with Anxiety that I decided to volunteer at different hospitals in different capacities.

Giving to others made my issues seem minimal compared to theirs. And whenever

I could make a patient smile or happy to see me, it made both our days.

I met many amazing people during my volunteering years who inadvertently gave

me the power and strength to help myself. It has paid off big time. Life is Good xx

[Marysblue in reply to Agora1]

I would sporadicly volunteer with unhoused folks at a day Center. I haven't done that in so long. But they would actually be in better moods than I was and they'd cheer me up. They were so grateful just to have someone to talk to. Once I was grieving for my mother who passed and a homeless man who was blind ministered to me there.

[Agora1 in reply to Marysblue]

Isn't that the truth Marysblue? I had similar experiences at the Veteran's Hospital. xx

[Lali2018]

Yes, thank you 💕

[Focusedmind]

Yes, volunteering has worked for me, as well!

[WilliamG]

Love thy neighbor!

[fauxartist]

Yep, the best way to get out of your own head is to help another...it's priceless. Even if it's something as simple as talking to someone elderly in the supermarket and letting them just talk to you for a bit...you could have made their day because usually nobody listens to them. Holding the door open for someone with arms full of kids and grocery's in tow. Or just thanking someone who serves you a coffee in a cafe and leaving a nice tip. Simple things can mean a lot to someone, and take very little effort on our part to do.

[Marysblue in reply to fauxartist]

It can be as simple as looking up the unanswered posts on here and replying with a few words. Look on the main page under posts, unanswered.

[Thankfulforhelp22]

This something I have been really giving a lot of thought. Doing for others, volunteering, helping others are things that uplift me and make me feel good about myself. I get more than I give in a profound way. My goal is to do more.