Happiness
It’s a matter of perspective.
Bridget Sharp
April 28, 2026
Mental Note
“To prefer my own happiness to my neighbor’s is like thinking that the nearest telegraph post is really the largest.”
It’s a matter of perspective. While we often default to focusing on our own happiness, research actually shows that the joy we bring to others is equally important to our wellness. It feels good to do good. It feels good when we see others experience joy, especially if we had a hand in creating it. In fact, studies show that even required community service seems to affect long-term positive psychological changes. This is what is called the “Paradox of Happiness”, that spending one’s time and resources on others can make a person happier themself. You don’t have to give it all, but don’t miss opportunities to give a little. If your schedule has crowded out the little kindnesses, see if you can find a moment to go do a little good.
Spreading joy
Each spring our local grocery store sells small bundles of about ten miniature daffodils for four dollars. I always grab a bunch to put on my kitchen counter at home to brighten the mood and signal the coming of spring. And invariably the next time I run to the store to grab something, I pick up another bunch. I just can’t walk past them! Last year, having already grabbed more than enough daffodils for our kitchen at home, and finding myself at the store yet again, I decided to grab a bundle, but this time share them with others. I intended to hand them to people as I passed them in the parking lot after I checked out, but didn’t find many people milling around. So I pivoted to laying single flowers on the windshields of cars nearby. I didn’t stay around to see anyone’s reaction, as far as I know no one saw me do it, but I was somehow giddy the rest of the day just because I laid a little joy on strangers’ vehicles. Total cost: $4
Other things that can bring you similar joy:
giving a sincere compliment to a stranger
holding the door open and stepping aside for someone to pass
paying for the car behind you in the drive-thru
holding your umbrella out to cover a stranger
dancing to a street musician’s music
making eye contact and nodding to a presenter or professor
Click here for more ideas and to learn the science behind why this matters.