Most philosophies and religions include a strong belief in giving back to the world. Not only does it have the obvious benefit of helping others, but it’s apparently one of the most therapeutic things we can do for ourselves. In the midst of striving to improve our own lives and earn as much as we can with our industry and talents, balance our work and family, and find time for our leisure and health, giving back may be an important but overlooked key to feeling better.
The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.
Mahatma Gandhi
Apart from making you happy, one of the biggest ways it helps me is by putting things in perspective. By interacting with others and hearing all that they are dealing with makes my problems and challenges seem so insignificant. We often get lost and down thinking the world is against us, but interacting with the less fortunate drastically changes our outlook on life and what matters.
We spend so much time trying to make more money and buy more things to feel more satisfied. Choosing to give back can actually have the effect of making you feel more satisfied. Rather than scrambling to get more, helping others through giving back can help you appreciate what you have. Seeing others struggling with less, and giving back, so they can have enough, can make you grateful for what you, and your family have.
At my workplace, we have this absolutely fantastic initiative “Bringing Smiles”. It provide hands-on STEM education to underserved communities. In 2015, Bringing Smiles began with just one school, and 50 students. Now, it has reached over 375 schools, and 50,000 students, with goals to impact over 100,000 young minds by 2022. Things are so much better every single time I am part of the various sessions that are held as part of this programme. I am filled with joy interacting with the kids who have such high aspirations and dreams, who work so hard to help their families see better days. Here is a short glimpse of Bringing Smiles
Being part of something larger might be one of the best things we can do, both for others and ourselves.
Kenrick Vaz 