Yesterday I included Three Quotes:
Many persons have a wrong idea of what constitutes true happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification but through fidelity to a worthy purpose.
Helen Keller
I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have sought and found how to serve.
Albert Schweitzer
It is essential to know that to be a happy person, a happy family, a happy society, it is very crucial to have a good heart, that is very crucial. World peace must develop from inner peace. Peace is not just the absence of violence but the manifestation of human compassion.
The Dalai Lama
I’ve been thinking about those quotes a lot today. I certainly agree with the Dalai Lama, attitudes such as love, compassion, acceptance and generosity of spirit do add to everyone’s happiness in life. And I believe Helen Keller and Albert Schweitzer were great people, but I don’t believe I’m up to spending that much of my life serving other people. I do a lot of volunteer work, but I do it in ways that I can use my talents and keep learning and growing. I think developing and using one’s talents and contributing with joy is also important.
Jean, those are great quotes. I know that by getting out of myself and doing for others makes me feel like I have a purpose which in turn leads to happiness because I found definition in my life. However, like you, when I help people I use my talents such as helping with computer problems. I’m not the person to ask about baking an apple pie, I’m clueless. But computer problems, just bring over the computer and I’ll get it working.
We don’t best serve others by doing something we lack talent in, we best serve by using the talents we have. Does that make sense?
Yes, I couldn’t agree more. Use your talents, even if you have to search for a way.