Why Giving, Kindness and Compassion is a Prescription for a Good Life

How are giving, kindness and compassion related? Each one of us wants to live out a good life, though this is easier said than done. What exactly does it take for us to be able to live a “good” life? The solution might not be what you expect. The answer lies in the relationship between giving, kindness and compassion.

Eating well, exercising, and getting a good night’s rest are the typical suggestions we hear about living a good life. These three solutions focus on us as individuals and what we can do to keep our bodies physically healthy. However, it is also our emotional and mental well-being that affect our quality of life.

Meaning

It is easy to get caught up in every day – wake up, go to school or work, eat lunch, come home, eat dinner, sleep and repeat. Our days can be filled with all kinds of activities and to-do’s that we can grow to desensitize ourselves to life. Finding meaning in our every day can help to create this greater sense of purpose and sense of belonging to our lives that will change the way we look at our small, simple actions.

Giving and Compassion

Devoting your time to give back to the community or even simple gestures such as taking out the trash without being asked to, reminds us how our actions can positively affect the people around us. When you donate your clothes and see someone else wearing them with a bright smile on their face, you’re happy that you were able to bring that joy by simply passing on clothes you no longer wear. It may seem minor or insignificant but have a very real and positive impact on the community you’re helping.

This extends beyond the community and our families but our actions can benefit the environment. Climate change is a massive global issue and it can be an overwhelming one to tackle. However, small actions taken by multiple individuals can have an immense impact on saving our planet. Giving has a universal application, in which we can dedicate our time to help causes and communities near and dear to our hearts.

Simple actions done with kindness and compassion have the greatest impact on those in need. A simple “how are you” and “how was your day” to the people around you, shows how you care and simply listen, you provide them with the space to let out any negative thoughts or emotions they feel bottled inside. This is often an overlooked action but by being there for the people around you, you provide the compassion and kindness they may be seeking all along.

Often, you hear from athletes and well-known figures, and one of the most memorable moments that stays with them is the testimonies of the people they helped the most, inspiring them to greater heights. This is something we too can experience. When we help others, extend out a helping hand and offer kindness and compassion, the people who truly need it will be grateful for it.

Get Some Giving Ideas To Get You Started

Giving can come in all forms, if you need some ideas on how you can give back to the communities you care for, check out 365give for some suggestions on how you can integrate this into your everyday and make giving a daily habit.