I was so happy the other day when I chose the two winners to the ThinOptics giveaway and promptly got two enthusiastic and grateful responses. (Apologies to those of you who didn’t win – but I promise I’ll be doing more great giveaways in the near future!)
Phoebe Graber, of inmomopause, wrote: Yipee! It’s been ages since I’ve won anything!
And I heard this from Dee Margolis, who, by the way, doesn’t carry a purse (I’d like to know her secret!) : That is so awesome!!! I’m so excited! This is the perfect solution to my problem!!
What a nice feeling I had. Why? Not unusual… turns out that studies suggest that giving to others and being kind makes us happy.
In one study of three groups, those who practiced kindness experienced a pretty significant boost in happiness. And in another study, where participants were given small sums of money to spend either on themselves or on someone else, those who spent it on someone else felt happier than those who spent it on themselves.
And it’s also possible that the more you do, the more you’ll want to do, known as a “positive feedback loop”: engaging in one kind act makes you happier, and in turn, makes you want to do another kind deed.
Wouldn’t it be nice if everyone got caught up in that loop?
The world would be a gentler, kinder, happier place. Oh, and healthier too, since studies also show that happier people live longer and experience better health than their unhappy peers.
Congratulations to the winners. You’re happy…I’m happy.
Alexandra says
I really believe in saying thank you. It seemed to me that it was going out of style for the younger generation. Glad you got this feedback.
SherylK says
Yes, agreed – and always nice to get positive feedback!
Lois Alter Mark says
I’m happy just reading this post!
SherylK says
Now, isn’t that nice? One more person to add to the list.
Irene S. Levine says
Congratulations to the winners and to you, Sheryl, for receiving the gift of giving.
SherylK says
Thanks, Irene, and thanks for always making me happy, too!
Rosalba Gordon says
You’re totaly right Sheryl! Even the most insignificant gesture can make you happy. In my car, when I’m in may way to work when I give or be giving the right to pass the feeling about kindness is very nice and make my day.
SherylK says
We need more drivers like you on the road, Rosalba.
Phoebe Wulliman Graber says
I truly am very excited about being one of the lucky winners! Will let others know what I think of the product…I’m optimistic!
I do find it interesting that you have linked giving with happiness as that’s the reason I recently decided to try my own nontraditional giveaway. If any of you readers are curious, they can check out the sidebar of my blog.
Have a good week!
Helene Cohen Bludman says
You make me happy, Sheryl! I love your wit and wisdom. Just wish we could see each other more often.