In a society that seems to tout more about self-love, self-acceptance, and self-care above all else, I think we need a reset.
While it’s important to ensure we get enough rest, eat nutritiously, and manage our energy, I believe people would derive the happiness and satisfaction they seek from what they give, rather than what they get.
Those who know me, and maybe those who don’t, will recognize one of my favorite quotes:“Happiness doesn’t result from what we get, but from what we give.” – Dr. Ben Carson.
Today I had the honor of co-sponsoring a dog treat baking session with a mix of veterans and special needs folks. The latter were a mix of ages, from 24 to 33 years of age. The talent we witnessed. The helpfulness we experienced. The connection we shared. Words won’t fully describe our time spent with the loving group we met today.
I know many who have never, or will never, get the opportunity to engage with such individuals. They may be apprehensive or uncomfortable. They may not realize how much the special needs community has to give – how much they do give. Most are highly intelligent and productive, they’re just different and can teach us so much if we make the time and pay attention. Some are far more smart than we are and attuned to our every move. Never treat them as less than, because they are so much more.
Today I watched a young gentleman who appeared completely incapacitated in his wheelchair. Speech was compromised, if recognizable. Sight was compromised, at least to our first-glance observation. Yet he placed his feet aside the garbage bag, working it up slowly to remove it from the bin. I was told he visits twice weekly to take out the trash – a responsibility. A job. A sense of purpose. I stood back and watched, entranced and enchanted, simultaneously.
Life humbles me daily, eternally learning and growing as I immerse myself in a multitude of experiences. Volunteering affords me the opportunity to give back, to help others, and hopefully make a difference. It’s what gets me out of bed each day and keeps me up late at night. It’s how I spend almost every moment outside of work, wishing that I could devote myself to that mission full-time.
Today, I was moved beyond what my words can express. I felt immense gratitude for the many things that we can often take for granted.
What a gift it is to be able to take the trash out easily, yet we gripe about it – while someone out there views it as a privilege, a joy to be given such a task.
How beautiful it was to watch individuals work as a group, helping each other and sharing, building each other up without a mean bone in their body. No egos. No competition. Pure sincerity and kindness. Each wanted the other to succeed. Be still my heart.
We played musical chairs. We danced. We laughed. We loved.
Take nothing for granted. Shift your perspective from ‘I have to’ to ‘I get to.’ That may just change your life.
It’s all about what you give – because only then do we truly experience the feeling of joy, happiness, and gratitude.
