By dint of watching the news in the papers, we think the world is hostile, dangerous and selfish. That’s why, without even realizing it, we’re led to be hostile and selfish ourselves. Quite simply, because we’re afraid and so we try to protect ourselves at all costs. The thing is, this resonates strangely with us. We don’t like to show ourselves in this way. So, is it possible to be a caring person and see the world in a different way? Here are 7 reasons why doing good can make us happier.

1 – Why do good? Because it’s the language of the heart

The heart has several functions. An essential “material” function, it enables us to live. But it also has another function, that of loving.

Yes, our heart is made to love.

The problem is that by dint of seeing only negative news, of dwelling on our past disappointments and sufferings, we close our hearts without even realizing it.

In fact, out of fear of suffering, we want to protect our heart at all costs, and so we close it to everything and everyone.

But we don’t realize that our heart is not meant to be protected. In fact, it doesn’t need protecting. It’s there to love.

And when we prevent it from loving, we become bitter and unhappy.

That’s why, instead of trying to protect ourselves, we need to take the risk of loving, because it’s the only way to be fully alive and happy in our lives.

Yes, you’re bound to suffer again, because suffering is part of life, but in the meantime, you’re going to love and therefore live in happiness.

And to love others, to love the world and even to love yourself is to do good!

Because instead of adding hostility and selfishness to this world, we put all the love we can into it.

2 – Doing good makes our feelings of loneliness disappear

When we focus on the negative side of the world and others, we close in on ourselves, and so without even realizing it, we lock ourselves into a feeling of loneliness.

In fact, if you feel lonely, it’s because you’ve cut yourself off from others and the world. So maybe you’re afraid of suffering and think that’s the best way to protect yourself.

Stop protecting yourself and open up!

There’s this quote that’s magical: “People feel lonely, because instead of building bridges with others, they build walls”. What do you think?

Because instead of building walls between you and others, you’ll be building bridges.

3 – Why do good? Because we get through difficult times more serenely.

When we’re suffering, we tend to withdraw into ourselves. The problem is that the more we close ourselves off to others, the deeper we sink into our suffering.

In fact, it’s all we can think about, and little by little we cling to it. And suffering takes over our lives. This is how we fall into depression.

What if, on the contrary, we opened up to others at such times? What if, instead of dwelling on what makes us suffer, we sought to alleviate the suffering of others?

For the Dalai Lama, this is the best remedy for suffering. To this end, he explains that suffering is a poison that settles in our thoughts and only comes out when we start thinking of others and less of ourselves.

That’s why doing good can really work wonders for getting better during or after difficult times. What do you think?

4 – Because it gives meaning to our lives

We’ve all experienced feelings of injustice throughout our lives. For some, it’s the animal cause, disability, illness, ecology… But that doesn’t change the fact that we all feel injustice.

And we could choose to let it go, seeking to protect ourselves at all costs from this feeling that hurts and upsets us. Or, we could decide to do something about it ourselves.

Yes, doing good is a choice. Our choice.

Instead of giving in to pessimism, we choose optimism. In other words, instead of persuading ourselves that life has no meaning, that it’s not worth living, we can decide to give it one. Ours.

What’s more, doing good helps us to take a more positive view of the world and of others. Yes, not everything is perfect. There are even things that clearly need to change. But there are beautiful things, and with time and effort, we can change some things. Make them evolve. Together.

That’s why doing good gives meaning to our lives.

5 – Because we can be proud of ourselves

We need to feel proud of ourselves. This pride has nothing to do with egocentricity.

In fact, pride can be healthy, even necessary.

To be proud of ourselves, we need to ask ourselves regularly what kind of person we want to be in this life.

And, to be that person.

Because, all too often, we change our way of being and doing according to others and the world.

In fact, instead of being who we freely want to be, we react to others. In other words, we’re kind when others are, and hostile when they are.

But aren’t we tired of always reacting to everything around us? Why not choose to be ourselves?

So, who do you want to be? Be that. Freely. And that’s how you’ll do good and be proud of yourself.

Because you’re on Earth for a reason, and that reason is to be you. So, what do you think?

6 – Why do good? Because we all want a more beautiful, fairer world

Indeed, we all dream of a more beautiful and just world, but we’re waiting for it to become so.

But this world needs your help to become more beautiful and more just.

That’s why doing good is also essential.

So don’t put pressure on yourself. Indeed, doing good doesn’t necessarily mean doing great things.

In other words, do good at your own level, in your own way. Simply let your heart do the talking.

7 – Because it makes us happier

And then, more simply: why do good? Because it makes us happier.

We all have this compassion within us. All we have to do is look at our children. They certainly squabble, and don’t always know how to lend or share. (laughs)

But a child will always be sensitive to the tears, sorrow and pain of others. A child spontaneously hugs others, animals and nature too.

They talk to everyone and everything. They trust.

What if doing good simply meant being as spontaneous as a child? What if it was to stop torturing ourselves with negative thoughts and toxic behaviors.

Let your joy shine through and guide your life. And you’ll do good. What do you think?

Find out more:

I invite you to read these 2 complementary articles:

Discover Altruism: the little-known formula for happiness
Discover I’m unhappy: 6 mistakes we all make and how to free ourselves from them

I recommend this inspiring book:

The Generosity Network: New Transformational Tools for Successful Fund-Raising by Jennifer McCrea and Jeffrey C. Walker

While not directly addressing the aspect of happiness, this book explores the transformative power of generosity. The authors present a framework that highlights the joy and fulfillment of giving and contributing to others. By highlighting the impact of philanthropy and the link between doing good and personal satisfaction, the book indirectly addresses the positive emotional benefits of contributing to a great cause.

It should be read by everyone, not just those who want to or are involved in philanthropy and/or fundraising, but by everyone. It will give you a better understanding of WHY and HOW you need to get involved to become a better human being.

Thank you very much for reading this article.

If you liked it, let me know in the comments.

Take care of yourself