The Pursuit of Happiness
I recently participated in the annual DAY OF CARING. It was awesome!
Some fellow co-workers and I got together and made pancakes at a senior center for some wonderful seniors that might not have gotten a breakfast otherwise. We were one of several hundred groups that participated and gave of ourselves that day. We felt super-awesome...which is how most people feel when they give of themselves.
I read an interesting article this morning that talked about the new meaning Americans are attaching to the historic words "The pursuit of happiness." In the article, it suggested that the average American is more focused on the pursuit of their own happiness, regardless of societal well-being. In essence, "What's good for me, is good for me. Too bad for you!"
The author of this article, Rich Harwood, is extensively known for his work around helping organizations (especially those in the non-profit realm) to "turn outward" and seek out community input when determining the direction and scope of their work.
Mr. Harwood travels all over America speaking to the Average Joe and asking for his/her thoughts and feelings on various topics. When he asked people to define their "motto" for their community and the nation, he generally received responses like these:
- “I’ve got mine and to heck with you. ”
- “I’m for me and you’re for you!”
- “I’m for me and you’re for me!”
WHAT?!? These folks need some perspective! We are all intertwined in this world. The article put it this way: "Perhaps it goes without saying that over any extended stretch of time it is impossible for people to go it alone – even with the most remarkable circle of family and friends. The webs of entanglement in our interdependent lives will sooner or later stare us in the face. Our jobs, our safety, our schools, our health care, our very quality of life are all inextricably intertwined."
To this, I say two things. First, thank-you Mr. Harwood for the perspective. Second, I think we can change the philosophy of the American public. How? Involve others in giving of themselves. Sure, some people won't. But, as I recently found out when I invited a co-worker to volunteer with me, sometimes you get surprised. My coworker not only jumped at the chance to volunteer, she's running with it! This was the impetus that lit a fire within her and propelled her to impact her community on a larger-scale. You should see her, she's amazing! Just think if I hadn't asked. What a wasted opportunity that would have been!
I challenge you all to seize the opportunity! Advocate volunteering to others! Invite others to experience what you have as a volunteer! Tell them what you did, the difference it made, and how it made you FEEL!
Next time you get involved, bring someone else along with you! The more of us that know the true meaning of "the pursuit of happiness" the better off our nation will be!
Pursuit on!
-cindy
