"Happiness doesn't come through selfishness but through selflessness. Everything you do comes back around." — Unknown
My life has always been inspired by a deep desire to help other people. Undoubtedly, putting other people's needs before my own has been one of my biggest strengths and one of my greatest weaknesses. Giving has always taught me something special about myself in a way that I never saw possible. It showed me that my capacity to love without expecting anything in return was far greater than anything I wanted.
Love is such a powerful force. It can cheer someone up on a bad day, it can make you feel comfort when you're alone and it can even make you feel invincible. I guarantee you that, inevitably, it will be one of your highest highs and your lowest lows, whether that may be in your relationship, friendship or just helping someone who needs it. It will change you, and it will make you better because of it.
"Love is when the other's person's happiness is more important than your own." — H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
I have always given a lot in my past relationships because I am the type of person to give my whole heart and not just half of it. I pretty much don't even know what giving half even looks like. I used to always think something was wrong with me because I thought to myself, "How could I give so much yet the relationship still doesn't work?" I quickly realized that it wasn't me at all. It is never your fault for loving someone selflessly — but rather their selfishness that makes your relationship not last. It took me awhile to figure out that sometimes things aren't about you but more so about them. The best love you can give is one that puts their happiness first. Unfortunately, I have also learned that the hardest part isn't trying to make them stay, but finding it in your heart to let them go.
"Our prime purpose is to help others. And if you can't help them, at least don't hurt them." — Dalai Lama
I think having a beautiful heart goes a long way with so much hate, discrimination and prejudice going on in our world. We have people who can't afford school, food or even proper clothing yet sometimes we get so caught up in our own world and our own struggles that we forget about other people. Our selfishness clouds our judgment. If there is one thing I can share with you, it is to be more willing to help. I remember the first time I started my job with Alzheimer's patients, I was frightened. However, through this experience, I was able to connect with so many beautiful human beings that had so many stories to share to anyone who was willing to listen. The message is simple. Give. Volunteer and donate money to causes and organizations you feel passionate about. If you were to spend just a day in your schedule to help other people — think about all the lives you can be changing. It all starts with you.
Don't be scared to leap even if you fall. Never let your pride hold you back from giving all the love you can to this world. If love knocks you down, love again. I promise you won't regret it. Not even for a second.
