How to be happy: 'Contributing'

The top image is a cat's whiskers (Orthosiphon aristatus).
Its flower language is 'contribution'.

Its white, stretching appearance
looks as if it is
reaching out for someone else.
It may not be a conspicuous presence,
but it has a gentleness that quietly supports those around it.

When we talk about happiness,
we tend to focus on 'getting' something.
However, if you change your perspective just a little,
you will notice that there is also
a certain way to feel fulfilled in 'giving' to someone.

Today,
I would like to think about the relationship between
'contributing' and happiness.

Contribution is not something special

When you hear the word 'contribution',
you might feel like
you have to do something big.

Achieving something for society.
Helping someone in a major way.

But, in reality, there is no need to be so formal.

For example,
- Listening properly to someone's story
- Saying 'thank you'

These actions are also wonderful contributions.

Making someone's day even just a little bit lighter.
That alone has enough meaning.

The reason why giving makes you feel fulfilled

Strangely enough,
people are fulfilled by giving.

There is joy in receiving something, but
there is a warm feeling that is a little different from that.

It is the realization that your existence was useful to someone.

The feeling that 'it is okay to be here'
spreads gently not from outside yourself,
but from within.

Contribution is
'not something to prove your own value,'
but also an action to feel a connection.

If you push yourself, it won't last

However, there are things to be careful about.

If you try to contribute by pushing yourself,
it will gradually turn into a burden.

Even though you are supposed to be acting for someone else,
before you know it, you are the one who is tired.

That won't last long.

What is important is
to engage 'within your means' and 'comfortably'.

Offer a little when you have the capacity.
That amount is just right.

Don't forget to contribute to yourself

Another important thing is
to contribute to yourself as well.

Resting properly.
Taking care of your body.
Valuing your feelings.

This is also a wonderful 'contribution'.

Because you are fulfilled,
you can share kindness with others.

If you put yourself on the back burner too much,
what you have to give will also gradually decrease.

Accumulating small contributions

You don't have to aim for big things.

Just a little bit,
acting for someone or something.

That accumulation
cultivates a calm sense of satisfaction within you.

Like the cat's whiskers,
even if you don't stand out,
being a presence that quietly supports.

That will surely
lead to a quiet but certain happiness.


The time you spent acting for someone else
will, in the long run,
surely become something that fills your own heart.

Books that influenced me in writing this article

I have summarized other 'ways to be happy' flowers in the link below.
Please take as much as you need🍀

Thank you for reading until the end. I hope to see you in another article. 🍀May you be happy🍀