“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Mohandas Gandhi
We are far too easily fooled.
You see, many will try to define success, greatness, and happiness in terms of winning out over others, having power over others, and having the ability to dominate others. The lust for power is common and widespread in humans – the power to order others around, the power to make decisions that will impact others, and the power to own when others cannot.
Many see the world in the form of a pyramid with the ones on the bottom serving those on the top. And people long for that top spot because the world promises joy to those who sit there. Success, greatness, and happiness is found there… in winning out over others.
But what if that thinking is all wrong? What if true happiness is not found in lording authority over others – but instead, is found in living our lives for others? What if choosing to serve others was actually the pathway to true success and lastness greatness?
What if, by living for others…
- we become more fulfilled, more complete?
- we find true happiness?
- we find the meaning of life?
- we become bigger than ourselves?
- we sleep better at night?
- we give back to those who served us?
- we make (and leave) the world a better place?
- we find less stress and less frustration?
- we find greater relationships?
- we experience real love?
- we receive far more than we give?
- we find a pursuit greater than the material things around us?
If that were the case, it would certainly change everything… wouldn’t it?
Or would we still be too easily fooled?
Holton says
Excellent post Joshua.
Steve Noel says
I fight disability; extreme pain; disease, and poverty to live for those I love.
I’ve almost given up several times. I keep trying to rally myself for their sakes. They are worth it.
Shaban Mansoordehghan says
You really can say that again. Keeping things to a minimum sets us free to catch up with ourselves. Thank you for aligining me with my real self.
Somaye Bakhshayeshi says
jushua, thhat was great. I am a psycologist from IRAN and I really enjoyed your article.
shaban says
Thank you Jushua for those pearls of wisdom. You have me there.
Laura m. says
We are retired. People can do things in their community through the year. Donate to charities, food banks, group homes, visit shut ins, work with kids, volunteer, etc. There are so many people, incl retirees living to get more “stuff” and status in the community which to me is shallow.