I've heard it said that reaching out to others is one of the best ways to be happy and joyful. Social activist, writer and feminist Rose Pastor Stokes once said, "Fill the cup of happiness for others, and there will be enough overflowing to fill yours to the brim."
So much emphasis today is put on looking out for Number One. Just check out advertisements for any number of products. Many if not most of them speak to our selfish desires, greed, desire for success or other things focused on Number One. It's a rare ad that promotes thinking of others. Several months ago, however, I did see one that promoted random acts of kindness and paying it forward. I'm embarrassed that I can't recall now what was being advertised. But the ad showed a good deed being done to someone, and that person doing a good one for someone else, with each person doing the same—paying it forward. I always had a good feeling inside after watching that ad. Believe me, ads generally don't generate good feelings inside me!
Anyway, back to filling the cup of happiness for others. When I do something that brings joy to another, I feel so happy myself. It puts a smile on my face and a bounce in my step. I feel more open-hearted and generous the rest of the day. And often the things you and I do to fill that cup for others don't even cost us or take much time. Sometimes it's opening a door, helping someone carry something to their car, or even just giving a smile or kind word to a stranger.
Let's look for chances to fill those cups. What might our world look like if more of us did this? Can't you just see all those overflowing cups?
Amen! What a beautiful reminder! I know how much it means to ME when someone brightens my day in the way(s) you describe. I hope, when I try to do the same to others, that it may have the same effect. As another ad said many years ago, "and so on, and so on, and so on, and so on..."
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