“The famous lines of Gandhi, a well-known Indian activist says: “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
Being of service and extending a helping hand to the people who need it most is not an obligation but an act of compassion to our fellowmen. A lot of people in the world today are suffering from different kinds of circumstances, poverty, oppression, sickness and every sort of difficulties we know nothing about. For some of them, there is no longer hope in the current situation they are facing. Some might end up giving up and discouraged. In fact, no one ever, would really want to be in that kind of fate. Lucky are those who get to experience all the luxury life has to offer. However, acquiring all the richness and grandeur in this world is not a requirement to offer some help to people in need. A little spark of compassion in our hearts could in return spark that leap of faith to the less fortunate, only when we start giving back.
Giving back not only contributes to the happiness of the people being offered help, but it is a great contribution to the happiness of the one extending it. It is after all, for the common good of mankind. It not only makes you feel good about yourself, but it teaches you things and realisations you will hold close in your heart. You will learn how to empathise, to value everything you have, to be thankful, to not lose hope, and to always believe that something good is about to come.
Research shows a relatively evident truth that giving is a powerful way to make lives meaningful, provide growth, and make you a whole lot happier therefore contributing to overall health and wellness as well.
Take note that giving doesn’t always have to be in the form of money and material things, so there is no need to make excuses when it comes to offering a helping hand. It can be shown through other ways such as lending a listening ear, spending and giving your time, or doing something good for everyone you meet. However, going an extra mile to help others won’t hurt either. In fact, it will help you be more productive, while contributing to changing this world for the greater good.
Here are more ways:
1) Volunteering
Being part of a group or organisation that provides services for no financial exchange, social, or personal gain. Just pure willingness to be of service for the benefit of the people who need it most.
2) Donating
Contributing something for a charity cause is what donating is all about. May it be in the form of money, goods, or clothing – even body organs, in such sense, can be done for the people in need. In donating money or cash, you really have to be certain about finding the right charity and the causes they have before doing so. Anything you no longer use such as clothing and other goods which you think is still usable for others is another way of donating too. In the medical field, especially people with severe sickness also accepts donations of blood or organs for transfusion, or transplantation, only at the donor’s own will and decision.
3) Fundraising
Collecting or gathering a specific amount of money for a charitable cause and not for personal advantage. This can be done in the form of selling or organising a rummage sale, a cake stall, morning tea, dinner or Gala, and getting sponsorships from investors, and much easier through online using the famous fundraising platform called Go Fund Me. Check out their website at https://www.gofundme.com/
These are just some of the many creative ways we can do something for people in need. Human as we are can do so much more if we do it in unity, hand in hand. Change isn’t that hard to make, we need to bring awareness to others by making a change for ourselves and setting the example. After all, remember this famous Chinese saying at all times, and be truly happy. “If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap. If you want happiness for a day, go fishing. If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime, help somebody.” Have fun helping!