Knowing that you have lived a good life and made a difference in the world can give you peace of mind. You don’t need a bunch of trophies hanging on the wall; fame and fortune usually aren’t enough for anyone who has depth. What gives your life real meaning is how you’ve added to the lives of your loved ones, to your community and to the rest of the planet.
Dr. Barton Goldsmith
Giving to others is a great depression-reliever and anxiety reducer. When you are actively making a difference in the lives of other people, you don’t have time to worry or the inclination to feel sorry for yourself.
When you matter to others, it validates your own existence. Making your life count in this way makes you a happier person. And being more fulfilled, in turn, allows you to continue to give to others freely. It also allows you to be your true self at all times.
You’re helping the people you love feel like they matter too — not just to you, but to the world. This is not something you can buy; you have to get your hands and heart into it, or you’re not going to get much out of it. Being a mentor for a loved one will strengthen your bond and deepen your love.
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Even helping only one other person can have a positive chain reaction. As you help that person, they will be able to help others, and so on. In this way, you are contributing to the emotional well-being of many people you will never even know about.
Making a contribution gives you a strong sense of purpose. We all need a reason for being. Feeling like you are contributing to the betterment of mankind gives you a special kind of energy, the kind that empowers you to change yourself and the world.
You don’t have to be Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie or Bill and Melinda Gates to make a difference. Holding the hand of an elderly lady at a rest home is just as important. She doesn’t know or care about what’s going on beyond the warmth she is feeling from you. Half an hour of your life can give someone the will to live longer.
How you contribute is entirely up to you. The key is to choose something that will help you make a positive impact. Pick a cause you have a passion for or one that supports your beliefs. Find a person in need or a dog that needs a home. All that matters is that you do something you think is a good thing to do.
And don’t forget that this is an election year. You can support the candidate of your choice, volunteer or go to political gatherings. These are just a few of the ways you can become active, make a difference and be involved with people who think similarly to you.
No matter who we are, we all have something to offer the human race. Now go find out what it is for you and share it.
Dr. Barton Goldsmith is a psychotherapist. He is available for in-person and video consults. Reach him at Barton@BartonGoldsmith.com
