A Little Act of Kindness Before Going a Long Way, Brings Instant Happiness

Young woman having fun and blowing bubbles outdoors

Credits: Google Images

“Does helping others and sharing what I know make me less of what I am today?” I asked the question from myself.

The answer came…a big No.

In fact, the very act of helping others and sharing what I know, polishes me and makes me more confident, fulfilled and happy, is what I observed.

In the past 11 days, as I expressed in the last post, I was intentional about being helpful. But before helping others, here are the set of questions that I asked from myself:

Do I want something in return?
Do I want appreciation or applaud?
Do I seek other person’s approval or validation?
Or do I want to present myself good and build my self image?

One of these thoughts is there, many a times, or should I say most of the times at the back of our mind when we help others.

Knowing these thoughts, I sincerely tried to be helpful, just for the sake of being helpful.

There were times when these thoughts were rushing to me and were very close to my mind, but I just looked at them and then requested them to leave my mind’s door gracefully.  And they obeyed me sincerely.

In the last post I quoted that a little act of kindness goes a long way and you all emphasised that what goes around, comes around.

But wait a minute.

I have something more to say.

The mere act of helping others brings fulfilling results, not in the future but in that very moment itself. You don’t ask for anything, but you get so much in return.

In these 11 days I observed that I not only honed and sharpened my skills to a greater extent but I also managed my time well, set my priorities, scheduled my day, improved my listening, writing and speaking skills. I came closer to my friends, students, family members and myself.

I was quick at decision making, felt being more productive and efficient in my work. Distraction was less and focus was more. And the best part was-I felt empowered, happier and fulfilled. I slept well and woke up fresh everyday.

My mind was not busy in chattering and unnecessary story building. And Fear, my dear friend, was busy in someone else’s home, giving some important lessons.

In the process of helping others, I got to know more about myself. I love people. I love talking to them. I love listening to them. I love reading them. I love sharing with them.

I practised listening from my eyes and being non-judgemental and critical. Though, I know, I have to work a lot on cultivating and sharpening many such life transforming habits.

I can compassionately listen to their problems, challenges and issues. And I discovered that my problems and challenges are nothing and too small in their front.

If you too are like me, which I am sure you are, just listen to people and their stories and you would find your story in the their lives as well.

You might find them in the same phase of struggle or facing the same set of problems and challenges. You would understand- we all are one and like each other.

I am on my journey and I am happy to help others.

How wealthy and skilled we become in this process of helping others, I noted in these 11 days. Shouldn’t this practice be extended for a year then?

And what if it becomes our life style habit?  And what if we become consciously helpful, by setting right intentions? Imagine our fulfilling life then.

4 Comments

  • Devanshu says:

    Starting a day with such a refreshing post acts as a helping hand to reconnect with ourselves..
    Substantial !

    • Pratibha says:

      Yes dear, by reading positive thoughts we first help ourselves. After all, self help is the first step towards being helpful to others.
      Keep sharing and stay connected.
      Blessings and best wishes.

  • Prashant says:

    Very well said Mam.
    I think knowing these few Questions before Helping other is a big task in one’s life but finding answers to them is very easy.
    Helping others is our Kartavya.
    But we have to practice this because now we are away from it to some extent.
    Life is great with these ethics.

    • Pratibha says:

      Yes Prashant.
      The age in which we are living is predominant with such motives. In fact, when someone tries to become more selfless, we become more suspicious of one’s intentions. This is the biggest irony of this age.
      But, this is also a fact, that we need more of selfless people to help others.
      I am happy that I have many such examples who inspire me and encourage me to help better and be more closer to myself.

Leave a Comment