healing the pain that sport had previously caused me. I regained faith in the idea that sport can be good and do good. Sports can be wonderful, impactful, and empowering.
Help Comes in Unexpected Ways
When we can be brave enough to set our own struggles aside even for a short time and show up for others, something magical happens: we get out of our own way and wind up showing up for ourselves. This is the irony of service: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
It is well documented that several mental health benefits come from serving others. I know that may sound like the last thing you want to do when you feel like you can’ t even help yourself or the climb out of Rock- Bottomville feels so slow. But I promise you that whether through formal volunteering or simple acts of kindness, engaging in service can be a powerful way to boost your own well-being. The bonus is you also positively influence the lives of others.
We don’ t only receive thank-yous from others, but our brains also reward us when we lend a helping hand. When we do something kind, we release the“ feel good” chemicals in our brains that make us happier and boost our mood. The“ feel good” chemical trifecta of serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin influence our mood, memory, resilience, and more. The sense of pleasure and well-being we receive from these chemicals can motivate us to continue seeking them out even when we don’ t necessarily get a thank you or acknowledgment. This often creates a ripple effect of more acts of kindness and even more positive feelings.
Serving doesn’ t have to be grandiose. It can be simple, small actions in a regular day to acknowledge someone else in their pain. As you’ re climbing out of Rock-Bottomville, others are also climbing their own mountains. When they cross your path, make a simple gesture of help.
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