We’ve all heard the suggestion that if you’re feeling down or depressed ‘just go out and do something for someone else’. Good advice that I’m sure most of us have taken at one time or another with some form of success. Helping another is standard over-the-counter tonic for getting out of the doldrums.
The other day a friend told me about another use of the helping tonic. It goes like this: If you feel that you are too busy, ‘just go out and do something for someone else’. Sounds counterproductive, doesn’t it? Too busy, do more!!! My friend tried it and was uplifted by the experience, which opened new worlds and new friendships for her. She is still busy, but no busier than before. The hours in the day remained constant, but her spirits are high.
What is the basic ingredient of this tonic that we’re talking about here? A change of pace, for sure; but one that includes reaching out to others. Even those of us who are in love with solitude know how essential this is for our well-being. A friendly chat with a passing stranger on my walk yesterday was all I needed. As for being too busy, well, I am purposely eliminating as much busyness as possible from my life. But the reaching out is always there.
The other day a friend told me about another use of the helping tonic. It goes like this: If you feel that you are too busy, ‘just go out and do something for someone else’. Sounds counterproductive, doesn’t it? Too busy, do more!!! My friend tried it and was uplifted by the experience, which opened new worlds and new friendships for her. She is still busy, but no busier than before. The hours in the day remained constant, but her spirits are high.
What is the basic ingredient of this tonic that we’re talking about here? A change of pace, for sure; but one that includes reaching out to others. Even those of us who are in love with solitude know how essential this is for our well-being. A friendly chat with a passing stranger on my walk yesterday was all I needed. As for being too busy, well, I am purposely eliminating as much busyness as possible from my life. But the reaching out is always there.