“We must exercise ourselves in the things which bring happiness, since, if that be present, we have everything, and, if that be absent, all our actions are directed towards attaining it.” – Epicurus
In my upcoming book “Finding Happiness”, I discussed the role Gratitude, Graciousness and Generosity plays when it comes to building a better, happier life.
Gratitude : is the bedrock of a happier and better life. No one has it all, but you can have it all if you are always grateful for what you have and for what you anticipate having. Grateful people are happier people, grateful people are nicer people, grateful people are more gracious, generous, moral etc. Several research has been done that highlights the positive impacts of gratitude in one’s life. I recommend carving out a moment everyday to share a “gratitude moment” with either your loved ones, teammates, colleagues, family etc. Gratitude helps you change the way you look at things, which in turn makes life better.
Graciousness : is a unique characteristic of displaying kindness, magnanimity, mercy, niceness, courtesy, cheerfulness, compassion, and most importantly displaying love. Dalai Lama once said, “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion, if you want to be happy, practice compassion.” As you give more gratitude and your life gets better, it’s important to be gracious. Human beings are relational beings, true success is never truly attained without graciousness. We can accumulate knowledge, financial wealth, accolades etc, but without graciousness to our fellow beings, your best life cannot be attained.
Generosity : ties it all together. It is giving back. It is a blend of gratitude and graciousness. Several studies has been done to show the vast benefits of generosity. Generosity makes us happier, it reduces our stress levels, it makes us healthier according to several studies. Surprisingly, generous people live longer. The more you give away, the more you have. I particularly love the buddhist motto that says : “Your happiness is my happiness, there is no greater happiness in the world” Generosity begets generosity, compassion begets compassion, graciousness begets graciousness, and gratitude begets gratitude.
At your service,
Victor Lofinmakin
“Obsessed with Service”
2016 Top 20 Under 40 Realtor
Fairdale Realty
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