Every week, as I think about the topic of my next blog, I look at a list I have accumulated since I started to write them.  I am always amazed at the fact that they keep coming into my mind. And oh boy, am I grateful! It would be difficult to be put on the spot each and every week as I begin to ruminate on a topic before I begin to write.

And so, as the holidays approach, I am reminded of all that I have to be thankful for in my life.  Everywhere in the world, there are people living in poverty. Now I could feel bad about this and not respond, or I could do something.  Obviously, doing something to help a cause that works to alleviate this problem is the best choice.. Giving of oneself is always helpful, whether with gifts of money, food and/or time.

Gratitude is at the heart of happiness.  It is impossible not to be happy, if one is truly grateful.  So, that’s a good place to start.  Just think of what one has, not what one does not have.  Holidays should remind us to always be grateful. Why? Well, first of all, look at the alternative.

How does it feel to be ungrateful?  In my mind, that option is miserable.  It says that for all your possessions you are left with a hole that can never be filled.  There is never enough stuff to make a person happy.

Giving, in contrast, makes a person focus on what can be done to help someone else.  And it doesn’t have to be of material value. It can be showing up to help with physical labor.  It can be visiting the sick or lonely, or ministering to the emotional needs of another person.

Working in a soup kitchen, serving holiday meals, helping the elderly with outside chores that they can no longer do for themselves, are great suggestions.  The list goes on and on. Regardless of anyone’s beliefs, or lack thereof, there is goodness in each person. It may be hidden, or underdeveloped, but I believe that it is there, inside of each one of us.  It may need to be found by another person and nurtured to be exposed. We can never truly understand another person’s journey in life. All we can do is find our own way and be open to the possibilities that present themselves.

Think of ways to make yourself happy, by helping others.  It is good for your inner self. I promise that whatever you give with an open heart will be returned to you in some way.  And the circle of gratitude will be capable of making the holidays happier for everyone we touch.