For thousands of years, the greatest thinkers have suggested: Happiness is found in helping others. Scientific research also provides real results to support the idea that helping others may be the secret to living a life that is happier, healthier, and more productive and meaningful. ____1____
Find your passion. It’s not how much you give. It’s how much love you put into giving. You might care about one cause more than others, and that’s okay. ____2____
Give your time. The gift of time is often more valuable to the receiver, and more satisfying to the giver, than the gift of money. ____3____ We can give some of this time to help others — whether a few hours each day, or a few days each year.
____4____ Michael Norton, a professor at Harvard Business School, in Massachusetts, says that “giving to a cause that specifies what they’re going to do with your money [or service] leads to more happiness.”
Don’t forget about yourself. “Selfless giving ... easily becomes overwhelming,” psychologist Adam Grant says. He advises giving to others, but keeping your personal needs in mind. ____5____
A. Science shows that helping others can make you feel good too.
B. We don’t all have the same amount of money, but we all have time.
C. The key is to find the way that works for you.
D. You matter too!
E. Give to groups with clear goals.
F. Support the cause that feels right for you.
G. Giving can feel great.