Throughout human history people have sought the key to happiness. Countless people have pursued wealth, power, fame, beauty, strength, health, hobbies, relationships, religion—and any number of other things—in hopes of finding happiness and fulfillment.
Frankly, I’m sure any and all of those pursuits may very well bring happiness to some people—the key to happiness is likely just as varied and diverse as the individuals who pursue it. But while wealth (or religion or beauty, etc.) might bring happiness to one person and not another, I think there is one thing that is virtually guaranteed to bring happiness to anyone and everyone:
Kindness.
That’s right, kindness. I believe that intentionally and consistently practicing kindness is an unparalleled route to happiness!
In an online article featured by Entrepreneur magazine, Denise Corcoran, CEO of The Empowered Leader, wrote, “In the darkest moments of my life, a wise mentor told me that the greatest antidote to fear, anxiety or frustration was to go help someone else.”
I believe that mentor was exactly right: “The greatest antidote to fear, anxiety or frustration [is] to go help someone else.” It is in helping—in showing kindness—that we truly discover the ever-elusive key to happiness. And no matter who you are or what your personal tastes are, I sincerely believe that showing kindness to others will bring you happiness. It’s the one key that works for everyone—and it really should be obvious!
After many, many years on this earth, I personally can attest to the power of kindness. My moments of greatest happiness and deepest fulfillment have always followed on the heels of simple acts of kindness. I myself hold the key to my own happiness; it is my choice to be kind. Or as my friend and colleague Steve Lawler put it, “We are the gardeners and caretakers of our own happiness, and kindness is the secret ingredient that makes our happiness grow.”
Kindness may be simple, but it is powerful, and its impact is profound.
