GLOBAL
HAPPINESS
by Crissy Butts
Happiness Coach » Author/Speaker
» Family Team-Building Educator » 1HappyTribe.com
A
few articles back, I wrote of the importance of building the self-worth in others. Recently, while visiting with The
Chinese Chamber of Commerce, we
were discussing the value of simply acknowledging others with eye contact,
a smile, or a kind word. As we demonstrate kindness,
the recipient, in turn, frequently pays kindness forward.
The more worth one feels for him/herself, the more he/
she can share a portion of that worth with others. The
following quote brings it all full circle, “There is overwhelming evidence that the higher the level of self-esteem,
the more likely one will be to treat others with respect,
kindness, and generosity.” ~ Nathaniel Branden
Just a few weeks ago in August, a historic flood hit
southeast Louisiana. As with most floods in the gulf, the
locals see it coming and have days to prepare as moisture
builds over the ocean. This flood was different, without
warning, or relation to any tropical storm. It was a normal week until the clouds ceased to turn off the faucet.
More than 60,000 homes, businesses and public places
were flooded. The water reached as high as 8 feet deep
in some homes. 80% of the community did not have any
flood insurance. Thousands of families lost everything
they owned because the heat of the summer temperatures and the rapid growth of 3 strains of molds that grew
on everything it touched, electronics, furniture, clothing,
cracks and crevices of drawers, cupboards, vents, light
fixtures, closets, etc. Emergency shelters were filled with
men, women and children, hard working citizens, with
jobs whose lives were completely turned upside down.
Electronic systems sizzled on thousands of vehicles and
transportation and independence for these folks changed
overnight in so many ways. Locals with small fishing
boats rescued families tirelessly for three days straight.
Many families retreated to the tops of their roof with
their pets until help arrived waiting as long as 12 hours.
Hundreds of stories of random acts of kindness by everyday people, like you and I, did what they could to
lift the burden of these citizens. Food and supplies were
quickly donated. Thousands of volunteers came from
Texas and other nearby states, rolled up their sleeves and
helped haul out every personal belonging they had and
piled it on the street. Flooring and sheet-rock were then
removed. Homes were deemed unfit for habitation and
would nearly require being rebuilt from the frame up. I
seized the opportunity to go with a group of volunteers
for a weekend to join forces of helping hands to do what
we could. Dripping with sweat with masks to protect
our lungs from the mold, we tore out sheet-rock, ceilings,
and moist insulation. I felt deep empathy for the families
we served. I was deeply grateful for the experience to
help in a small way. We delivered sanitation kits, played
music, gave hugs and talked to the victims. These communities will never ever be the same, the possessions for
many, will not be replaced, some have no financial ability
to rebuild and nowhere to go.
May I offer encouragement to do WHAT you can,
WHERE you can. Let’s get out of our busy distracted world and keep eyes wide open for opportunities to
lighten the burdens of another, to demonstrate kindness.
“Remember there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.” ~
Scott Adams
Ponder how you can make a difference in your home, your
work, your community, your state, your country. “One
who is kind is sympathetic and gentle with others. He
is considerate of others’ feelings and courteous in his behavior. He has a helpful nature. Kindness pardons others’
weaknesses and faults. Kindness is extended to all — to
the aged and the young, to animals, to those low of station
as well as the high.” ~ Ezra Taft Benson
Start small or large, whatever your capacity!
Onward & upward my friends, in the great cause of elevating global happiness.
iF Magazine | www.iFMagazine.net
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