Happy People Helping People Strengthens Resiliency

When you think of ways to strengthen your own resiliency, chances are your first instinct is to think about ways you can improve your own behavior and outlook. Although thinking about and implementing new approaches relating to yourself is a good idea, did you ever think to not focus on yourself at all? That’s right, not at all.

 

What if, instead of looking inward, you were to look outward? Taking the focus off of yourself and on to another is a multi-magical way of growing more resilient. The power of giving from your heart to encourage a friend, or to volunteer at a community organization for instance, not only helps others but makes you feel good about yourself.

 

Did you know that people who have positive self-esteem are more resilient? It makes sense because positive self-esteem is a vital energy that fuels resiliency. There are endless ways to support and help other people and you are most likely to do so if you are secure and happy within yourself.

 

Perhaps you know someone who has worked for decades at a job they found unfulfilling but now they can finally retire and focus on their passion for needlepoint design. If your first instinct is to applaud and encourage your friend with unconditional support, you are on the path of strengthening your own resiliency, and naturally your positivity enhances your friend’s life too. However, if you are feeling envious or competitive about your friend’s pursuit of an exciting, new chapter, why are you triggered?

 

As the saying goes, “happy people are happy for people.” I would add that happy people who are not overly self-involved and who focus on others are more resilient because they possess an inner sense of fulfillment. Adding joy to the lives of others enhances ones sense of self and this bolsters resiliency.

 

“Resiliency grows from strength to strength.” 

Linda Joy Walder