"We Make a Living by What We Get. We Make a Life by What We Give."

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          It is said that the best way to bring happiness to yourself is by bringing happiness to others. Helping others reach their goals brings joy. Doing nice things for others today can literally make you happier for the rest of the week.

        We all know it feels great to receive; it's like that feeling you get when you wake up Christmas morning knowing you're going to get a ton of presents. While this is an awesome feeling, it doesn't last forever. The second you get bored of that gift you received is the second you lose the happiness that gift was supposed to bring you. Giving to others will make you feel something completely different.

       The reason why giving makes you happier than receiving is because it simply lasts longer. The reason why it lasts longer is because you know that you brought joy to another person. If you have ever volunteered at a homeless shelter or a food pantry, you will understand what I am talking about. There is nothing like the feeling when you see a homeless mans face after you hand him a hot plate of food, knowing he struggles for food each and everyday.

        Not only is helping those in need fulfilling, it's also a reminder of how comparatively fortunate we are--which is a nice reminder of how thankful we should be for what we already have. Most of us take the simple things we have in life for granted such as food, clean water, a comfortable place to sleep, etc. When you give back to people who have nothing, you become more thankful for what you have.