Weekly: It adds up
It's hard to live in a world where there is so much pain and suffering.
We have a few choices about what to do about it.
We can despair, and spend our time bemoaning the state of things.
We can resign ourselves to it, and give up.
Or we can use our tremendous capabilities — our creativity, courage, compassion, and character — to do our small bit to make the world a little bit better. Today, I'm sharing a tool that can help you to make this third choice.
Take care of each other,
Stephanie Harrison, founder of The New Happy
This Week
Watch the animation on YouTube
Having a purpose means that you're devoted to something greater than yourself. It's one way we can repair our wounded world.
It turns out that this is good for you, too. Studies have found that having a purpose:
∙ Serves as a protective buffer from stress
∙ Increases your resilience
∙ Makes it more likely you'll be satisfied with your life
∙ Leads to more frequent positive emotions every day
∙ Reduces risk of depression
∙ Increases your longevity
If you're not sure what your purpose is, here's one powerful tool you can use:
Find your purpose role model. This is a person that you look up to, who inspires you for their commitment to a cause, who does something that you long to do, or who embodies a quality that you deeply admire. They might be a friend, a teacher or coach, someone you follow online, or a world-renowned moral leader.
Once you have someone in mind, think about why you chose them. It could be the specific work they are doing, their overall character, how they overcame a challenge, or the unique journey that they've taken. What would it look like if you did one thing today that was inspired by them?
More Tips and Tools
1. The courage to look — Overcoming denial, one slice at a time.
2. What to say to someone going through a hard time — A sentence that can make a huge difference.
3. Every action makes a difference — Don’t pass people by.
4. One surprising way your emotions affect you — Anger? Jealous? Sad? Pause before you act.
Or listen to the podcast episodes (Apple, Spotify) from this week!
Community
What is one way you try to do good in the world?
"Smile and work to be better today than I was yesterday. I also like to acknowledge people and say “Hi so and so” always say their name so they know they are seen. If they look nice, I let them know. I like to say a nice word to each and everyone I meet. So many people are hurting and if I can give them a smile and acknowledgement it may make a difference in their life."
"I donate to Planned Parenthood and The National Network of Abortion Funds. I had parents who were pro-choice, comprehensive sex education, and lifelong access to birth control that kept me from ever needing to undergo abortion care but not everyone does!"
"Everyday I try to do something for someone else or my community. Sometimes it comes easy, it's obvious who or what could use a lift, and sometimes I have to intentionally sit and think about how I can give to something around me (ps: it's not always about money or things, sometimes it's about time, or listening, or noticing, or connecting...)"
"Pick up litter."
"Regardless of my mood or how awful of a day I've had, I always smile and say hi to others whether it be in the drive thru, or grocery store. You never know what someone else is going through and sometimes a smile can go a long way."
Inspiration
1. The life inside of a drop of seawater (Smithsonian) — This is awe-inspiring.
2. Teen with cerebral palsy set Harvard as his goal. He just got in early acceptance (The Atlantic) — Go Matthew, go!!! His purpose is so inspiring.
3. How to be less harsh with yourself (The Marginalian) — Ram Dass gives us a lesson, using trees.
Before You Go
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