Pursuing Happiness by Helping
Author: Danoel Galliatta
Category: Self Improvement
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It can be easily found at the beginning of the U.S. Declaration of Independence: we have an unalienable right to the pursuit of happiness. Yet for some reason, a lot of people have no clue how to do this. Although there are those who feel they are entitled to happiness, there really is no happiness guarantee.
It is the thought among many people that material gain (the acquisition of more and better things) can make them happy. However, it doesn't work like that. Even the wealthiest among us aren't happier than anyone else.
Money cannot buy happiness, unless you're Donald Trump, who supposedly said that "the people who say money can't buy happiness don't know where to shop." I honestly believe that it is the business of making money that Mr. Trump so enjoys, however.
Once an individual rises above the poverty level and has basic needs tended to, additional material possessions and wealth do little for personal satisfaction. By helping others, you can achieve the ultimate personal gratification. Helping others removes your attention from yourself and helps you to forget about your worries. Even those of us who have next to nothing in the way of material goods still have something to give. Something as simple as a smile or a few kind words will cost the giver absolutely nothing, but can make a world of difference to someone who is down in the dumps.
If you are searching for a worthy recipient, the Make-A-Wish Foundation will fit the bill. The purpose of this organization is to make the wishes of children with serious medical conditions into realities. I can think of no greater act than to make an ill child smile and experience some hope.
The wishes can be anything, such as meeting a movie or musical star or taking a vacation to a special place. Some children wish for material things, such as computers, video game systems, or a re-decorated bedroom. There are no limits to what a child can wish for and dream about.
This organization can be assisted in a variety of ways. People who have ample financial resources can help make wishes into realities by donating cash. If you aren't in a position to make a financial donation, you can still make a deserving child's wish come true with a gift of your time and attention. Still others donate their cars so that they can be sold, with the profits benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Unused airline miles can be donated to the Foundation through an affiliation with many airlines. Those miles are then used for the travel wishes of children. You can also organize a community fundraiser such as a bake sale or rummage sale using donated items and donating all of the proceeds to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
There is no limit to the ways you can help if you use your imagination. Helping someone else in need is a great step to take if you want to put your own life on a positive track, which is a great therapy for those that suffer from depression. Even if you don't select this organization, make it your goal to contribute to something beyond your daily life.
You will find that doing something for someone else or making a contribution to society in some form is very satisfying. I can assure you that, if you are looking for happiness, this is how you'll find it!
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Keywords: Children foundation in los angeles, California charities, Los angeles area charities, Children charity in los angeles, Southern California charities
View Count: 27
Date Submitted: 8/26/2008
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