volunteering = happiness

               I read a story in the local press recently about folks who volunteer to help out their communities. It reminded me that when researching my book “Why Being Happy Matters”, I interviewed several PhDs studying positive psychology. They explained that individuals who volunteer, and do “good deeds”  become happier than those who don’t. Volunteering is huge. Not only does it present an opportunity for talented people to help their communities by contributing their skills, it creates chances for meeting others and engaging with them.
      I'm a lucky guy: I was raised in a family that valued giving back. In fact, we have a family motto: ut prosim allis which, loosely translated, means "To put others first". That adage has encouraged me to volunteer throughout my days, whether serving on the boards of several charities and actually doing work for these organizations, or just helping out not-for-profits with advice where needed (such as I'm currently doing for the Gateway Learning Centre here is Midland which seeks to overcome illiteracy: seemed like a good cause for a writer to get behind!).
Being a volunteer will increase your happiness!
So if happiness is a desired part of your life (and why wouldn’t it be?), volunteer. You’ll be happy you did.

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