There are many ways to make a greater sense of happiness in your life, but one of the barest and most potent is giving to others. Why does giving happiness to others make you feel more pleased? 

-          You not only minimize your difficulties but also grow as a person. Focusing on what you can do for people in need is a powerful way to put your problems into perspective. It's natural to magnify our problems and think they're worse than they are, but encountering someone facing even greater challenges can quickly change that perspective. It's not that your troubles disappear just because you see someone worse off than you, but you gain a deeper understanding and realize that your battles could be much worse. This realization is a testament to your personal growth and resilience. 

-          You focus more on abundance: When you give happiness to others, you automatically alternate your concentration from deficiency to abundance – even if you are not giving financially! Concentrating on your troubles and difficulties cannot help but result in a keen awareness of lack. However, by giving yourself to those in need, you assert that you have “more than enough,” – which will translate into all areas of your life as a center on copiousness. 

-          Blessing others is a source of joy and fulfillment: Whether you're making a financial donation or sharing your time or other resources, it feels good to help others. This feeling is amplified when you make giving a regular habit, regardless of the size of the contributions. The more you do for others, the more you'll feel good about yourself. Giving anonymously can enhance this feeling even further. You'll be blessing others without expecting anything in return, and you'll come to appreciate that giving is its own reward – making the reward that much sweeter! 

You may feel that you do not have anything to give to other people at present – and this is particularly true if you are experiencing severe financial troubles or other lack. Even so, giving in anyway can immediately make you feel happier and more abundant!

Become a wise man for children or young grownups. Do you have specialized powers or training? Donate your expertise to a non-profit organization for a couple of hours weekly. Are you good at making others laugh and feel good? Volunteer at a hospital or elderly care facility. There are endless ways to reach out to others; only a few involve money.

If you have nothing else to give, become a “goodwill ambassador” and make it your mission to spread kind words and support to the people you meet daily. When you notice a public servant having a bad day, say something to cause them to smile. Compliment your co-workers. Express your appreciation to a police officer, firefighter, or soldier. Tip your waiter, hair stylist, and cab driver generously, or leave a handwritten note thanking them for the excellent service. These are all such small gestures – but they have a considerable impact on the one who receives and gives.