Title: The Giving Way to Happiness
Author: Jenny Santi
Date started & finished: 2018 OCT 24 to NOV 15
Notes written on: 2018 NOV 15
Why I choose this book:
I was working at an event where the writer came and talked about her book. I was curious. It was given to the guests and one of them asked if I wanted it. I said yes. From there it stood on my book shelf, only about a couple of month and then I picked it up from the stack.
I was intrigued about what I would learn from it.
Book theme/ message:
How giving leads to happiness.
Definition of giving: freely transfer the possession of (something) to (someone) / cause or allow (someone or something) to have or experience (something); provide with.
Personal connection: How does the book relate to me to me or my experiences?
Including my highlights passages and or quote.
Giving my time to a cause has been in the back of my mind since my early 20s. Before that it was not something that I grew up with, family, school or surrounding. Either that or I was not aware of it being around. I then became interested to see how I could do it. Then came a few years of procrastinating. And then came time, I gave a few opportunities a try and finally found one cause I was passionate about.
I personally do not like the idea of giving money, as the effect that is has can sometimes not be full due to many things being in the way before the person, community who needs it receives it. This is me know and I might change, who knows.
You hear often that money does not buy happiness. And people around seem to look for happiness all around yet not find it. So I thought why not give the book a read.
my highlighted passages:
“Why should volunteering have such positive effects? One such explanation is that volunteering is a social activity that enhances one’s social resources, which in turn improves one’s health. But above and beyond the usual hedonistic social activities, such as partying with friends, volunteering together contributes to a sense of shared purpose that engenders a certain camaraderie”
“Giving time gives you time. Don’t have enough time? Giving is a way to gain more. Those who volunteer their time feel like they have more of it.”
“ “It is the very pursuit of happiness,” said Austrian neurologist and psychiatrist Viktor Frankl, “that Thwarts happiness.” Other scientists agree that the single-minded pursuit of happiness (versus the search of meaning, and the recognition of the responsibility for something greater than the self) is, ironically, leaving people less happy, and they caution against this approach.”
“What can we learn from those who stay happy?
2. They take care of themselves first
3. They know how to say no
6. They maintain a sense a humour
7. They focus not he effect they are having
8. They think win-win”
“Why should a family give together?
2. To strengthen family bonds
4. To show, not just tell about values.”
“Ray Chambers’ Five Steps to Happiness
Step 1. Stay in the moment.
Step 2. Take a step back and become a spectator to your own thoughts.
Step 3. It is more important to be loving than to be right.
Step 4. Go out of your own way to help anybody in need.
Step 5. Each morning, write down what you’re grateful for, and read the list aloud.”
“How to spend money for Maximum Happiness
[…]
Buy experiences…
Make it a treat. Limiting access…
Buy time. …giving away your time…
Pay now consume later… i.e., for pre-paid vacation…
And finally
Invest in other”
QUOTES:
“Our Prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them.” Dalai Lama
“Be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars. In the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul” Max Ehrmann
“I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do” Edward Everett Hale
What impact or impression has this book made on me?
I like the fact that volunteer can make you feel physically healthier. I started to give my time because I have knowledge and skills that I wanted to bring to others. (sharing is caring)
It reinforced my feeling of wanting to give. I am also thinking of other ways that I could possibly give. Share other skills I have, or other
How can I use this?
I can use this while thinking of other ways I can give my time to causes I am passionate about.
Why must I use this?
I must use this as I have knowledge and skills that others do not have. And it would be great for them to have some too.
When will I use this?
The next time I am volunteer – in about 3 weeks.
My recommendation of this book: [low 1 … 10 high]
Enjoyment: 7 –
Learning: 7 –
Easy to read: 6 –
Why: I found some part long to read through. I am happy I finished the book and when reading it I felt motivated and I felt good.
A book I also recommend reading is: Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
What do you do to ensure your happiness? Please share in the comments below.
Thank you
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