“The purpose of life is not to be happy – but to matter, to be productive, to be useful, to have it make some difference that you have lived at all.” ~ Leo Rosten
Life can be so very trying at times. We can find ourselves alone, we might fall on hard times, lose our health, endure great physical or emotional pain, make decisions we regret, suffer loss or be faced with a mountain of other problems.
But today I don’t want to talk about your problems. I want to share with you a personal philosophy that has helped me through the darkest of days. It’s no fix for whatever you’re facing and yet it can often illuminate answers and bring light into your own darkness. That philosophy is to practice kindness and to encourage others.
When we take our focus off our own hurt or emptiness, and find a way to serve others, something profound happens. Our life is vested with a deeper meaning. Our suffering becomes less significant, or more tolerable. And we find something outside ourselves that helps us to understand that we matter, that in some way we can have a part in the wider world, even if it is not the role we had envisioned for ourselves. Our vibration is lifted. Our soul finds a way to free itself from this cage of pain.
Conversely, if we engage in bitterness, cruelty, criticism and tearing people down these actions seem to magnify our pain and unhappiness. Our vibration is lowered. We attract more suffering and become enmeshed with our problems.
There are many ways that we can encourage others; a kind word, a smile, a thoughtful comment, a hug or a pat on the arm, acknowledging someone’s efforts, being enthusiastic about their successes and kind about their failures. You could try praise, gratitude, a short email, a card in the mail, a hug, a softly whispered ‘Don’t give up, I have faith in you,” a rowdy “Come on, you can do it!”
Give someone the gift of your interest. Listen to them, and care about what they say and how they say it. Encourage them to share and to open up to you. Be someone they can trust and confide in.
Lend a hand. Offers of help can go a long way when someone is struggling with their own problems. Specific advice and ideas that are supported by your own wisdom and experience can be very useful when someone is just starting out.
Affirm positive actions and attitudes. It means so much when others notice and validate our efforts.
Speak well of people. Introduce and connect people to each other. Build friendships, and help create communities.
To be productive, to lift up others, to practice kindness, to encourage – these things matter, and they are a magical balm to life’s greatest pains, and for the most weary of souls.
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Will you do something for me today?
Nicole, I completely agree with you. It takes very little effort to be kind and encouraging to others; and the emotional rewards are so very satisfying – just to know that with a small gesture, taking time to listen and share support to others is a way we can make a real difference – that is priceless! Thank you for always bringing encouragement and kindness to all those whose lives you touch, and for being such a lovely part of my world! ~ Love and hugs, Julie xoxox
Your Kindness flows from your posts and pages here and your messages within each of your posts brings I am sure many a reader peace and Balm to their lives as they take on board your Philosophy of live…
Sending you love and Many Pain-free days….. Hugs Sue
What a wonderful thought. It is so easy to be negative in life, but it takes real courage to be positive.
I. Absolutely. And. Completely. Love. Your. Blog. And. Your. Deep. Message. Of. Kindness. THANK YOU.
Thanks for such a lovely & inspiring posts. My purpose is also the same let me able to bring smile, hope & inspiration in someone’s life through my little effort 🙂
You are such an inspiration… you are LOVE xoxo
I so agree and have been discovering this lately.
This is a great article but I slightly disagree with Leo Rosten’s statement in that I believe we all have the right to pursue happiness and contentment as well as sharing his purpose in life for us.
Joy from Joan.
Cauldrons and Cupcakes posted: “[caption id="attachment_6018" align="aligncenter" width="480"] Image source unknown…[/caption] “The purpose of life is not to be happy – but to matter, to be productive, to be useful, to have it make some difference that you have lived at all.” ~ Leo “
I have nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award!
Build friendships and help create communities. That really struck a cord! Inspiring post as always. xx
this is priceless, yet again. thank you! i, too, am feeling the relevance & it does somewhat clarify (is that the word i’m after?) your incredible sharing & caring that i’m so grateful to be a recipient of since I discovered your sweet self…i love being inspired by you!
Nicole I so agree with you! Finding meaning in life is the most important part of living. Thinking of you-Julie
Thank you so much Nicole, you have just done exactly as your post recommends and I intend to go forth and do the same. Once again you post on a subject that seems to be aimed directly at me, even though I know it is not. Take care of yourself.
Thank you and bless you! xx K
<3 <3 A post to print and post on my wall – as an encouraging reminder for everyone! <3 <3
Many thanks for posting this, so positive!…My best wishes to you 🙂
Many thanks for your post, my best wishes to you 🙂