Spiritual Transformation Sustainable Community: Want to live a Happy and Healthy Life? A Second Thought on the Subject...

By Chad

So in my previous article we discussed the idea that the secret to a happy, healthy life could be found in the simple act of gratitude. And while that article was full of ideas to jump start your new life of gratitude; I want to let you in on another way to boost the happiness in your life.

Are you ready?

Giving to others.

Sounds simple, boring and somewhat cliché, right? Giving to others can actually bring you more happiness. In fact, there is science to back up this truth. Science Magazine carried an article in their March 21, 2008 issue entitled Spending Money on Others Promotes Happiness by lead researcher Elizabeth Dunn.

What is exciting about this research is that the myth that more money can bring you happiness is in fact partly true. You can have more happiness with more money. The catch? You have to be willing to give more of that money away in order to "buy" that happiness.

During the research, participants were given money to either spend on themselves or on others. Those that spent the money on others were consistently more satisfied with their choices than those that spent the money on themselves.

So who can you invest in so that you can reap a reward of greater happiness?

Okay, now that you know the science, are you saying, but I don't have the money to give. In today's economy, I completely understand where you are coming from. To that point I have two thoughts. First, the research suggested that even a small investment into someone else of just $5 was enough to show a measurable "happiness" jolt.

So hopefully that helps reset your thoughts on having or not having enough to give. I would even say that less than $5 can make a difference. Try this. Next time you are in line buying coffee, buy the coffee for the person behind too. It will only be a couple of dollars and yet, they will be taken back with gratitude and you will get a shot of happiness to go along with your caffeine.

The second idea is that money is just a resource, right? Any if you don't have an abundance of money as a resource, do you have other resources you can "give away"? Time, energy, leadership or caring are all legitimate resources that your friends, community and fellow human beings need.

So what are you going to do about it? Where are you going to give so that you can live a happier, healthier life?