Can we increase our happiness by being generous?
By Hope
@1hopefulman (45123)
Canada
September 1, 2018 8:23am CST
Is it possible that we can increase our happiness by being generous? Do you think there are benefits to practicing generosity?
Why do you think that we should we be generous? What are the benefits of being generous? Does it make sense to practice generosity?
What are some things we can give: material goods; advice; encouragement; moral support; a helping hand; time; our energy; our attention; our love.
Dp you think that we increase our happiness by being generous?
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Benefits I have seem people experience when they are generous:
• It makes the giver happier
• It makes the receivers happier
• It must make God happy to see people imitate Him
30 people like this
33 responses
@1hopefulman (45123)
• Canada
1 Sep 18
So true! When we give generously we are imitating God who is very generous in all that he gave mankind. He takes note of that and loves to see people do that and He will not forget what they have done. Jesus once said that if someone gives a cup of water to someone who is a disciple that it will not be forgotten.
We feel so good when we imitate God in being generous! 
1 person likes this
@1hopefulman (45123)
• Canada
6 Sep 18
Isn't it something? When we fail to give and we could have, we don't get any wonderful feeling.
@mesbakh (2284)
• Indonesia
4 Sep 18
@1hopefulman some of the richest person in the world have given much much of their wealth
2 people like this
@Mavic123456 (21898)
• Thailand
1 Sep 18
In my mind, I always believe that humans are created good. Generosity always counts.
3 people like this
@1hopefulman (45123)
• Canada
1 Sep 18
Yesterday, I ate a papaya. I was amazed at how many seeds came with the piece of fruit. The papaya tree was designed to be generous. If I planted all those seeds from just one papaya, I would have a huge papaya orchard.
Yes, we have the capacity to do much good and be generous. However, we have a choice. We can choose to be generous or to be stingy, as we have both kind of people in the world.
It seems to me, that God designed us to be generous, Just think of how many hairs we have or had on our heads. The question is what will we choose to be, generous or selfish?
2 people like this
@1hopefulman (45123)
• Canada
2 Sep 18
@Mavic123456 Generous people are happy people. Have you ever seen a stingy and happy person? I haven't!
1 person likes this
@Mavic123456 (21898)
• Thailand
2 Sep 18
@1hopefulman wow beautiful analogy. You are absolutely right. I hope I am generous. Some people are generous, but sadly, some people are also taking advantage of one's generosity.
I really love the analogy of papaya and generosity. Very suitable here.
2 people like this
@CinnamonGrl (7083)
• Santa Fe, New Mexico
1 Sep 18
You've pretty much said it all. When you give of yourself, you get a feeling of well-being as a pleasant side effect. I know I feel happier when I can do some little thing for somebody.
5 people like this
@1hopefulman (45123)
• Canada
1 Sep 18
Yes, if we think of our parents, our children and our friends, sometimes the greatest gift is in giving generously of out time, attention and love. A telephone call or a visit may do wonders for them and add to their happiness and ours.
@1hopefulman (45123)
• Canada
6 Sep 18
It would be very hard, even impossible, to be a teacher without having the capacity of generously giving!
1 person likes this
@DianneN (246896)
• United States
7 Sep 18
@1hopefulman I gave until I was blue in the face. At least the kids and staff appreciated it. 
. Thanks.
. Thanks.1 person likes this
@chiyosan (30184)
• Philippines
2 Sep 18
I've been told that giving is actually more of a benefit to the giver than the receiver. A lot of times, when we go give to someone and when we help out - we do feel better, we feel great about ourselves. right? We feel blessed as well too.
3 people like this
@1hopefulman (45123)
• Canada
3 Sep 18
Yes, that has been my experience when I'm giving from the heart.
1 person likes this
@1hopefulman (45123)
• Canada
7 Sep 18
Yes! I have never seen a happy miser or selfish person.
1 person likes this
@1hopefulman (45123)
• Canada
7 Sep 18
@tammys85 We can learn much about what makes people happy by observation. When we give, we spread happiness and it also returns on us. 
1 person likes this
@tammys85 (29952)
• Baltimore, Maryland
7 Sep 18
@1hopefulman Right, and that may be why they're miserable or selfish - because they're unhappy. It's up to them to break the cycle.
1 person likes this
@1hopefulman (45123)
• Canada
6 Sep 18
So true! When I see you, I always think of the Bible and remembered these verses:
Proverbs 11:24-25 Amplified Bible 24 There is the one who [generously] scatters [abroad], and yet increases all the more; And there is the one who withholds what is justly due, but it results only in want and poverty. 25 The generous man [is a source of blessing and] shall be prosperous and enriched,
And he who waters will himself be watered [reaping the generosity he has sown].
1 person likes this
@just4him (306354)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
8 Sep 18
@1hopefulman That's a wonderful compliment. Thank you.
1 person likes this
@1hopefulman (45123)
• Canada
6 Sep 18
It's truly a win-win situation! Everyone wins!
1 person likes this
@anamika161088 (11868)
• India
1 Sep 18
When we see someone smiling because of us, it's a great and happy feeling
3 people like this
@1hopefulman (45123)
• Canada
1 Sep 18
So true! Even smiling at someone can change the mood of the person and our own mood. If we can do something to put a smile on a person's face, that makes us and them feel so good and makes us both happier as we go through life.
1 person likes this
@1hopefulman (45123)
• Canada
4 Sep 18
I share your feelings and experiences!
I have met some really kind and generous people that have helped me in some way and have really appreciated that. Were there some people that were very generous in giving to you?
I have met some really kind and generous people that have helped me in some way and have really appreciated that. Were there some people that were very generous in giving to you?1 person likes this
@1hopefulman (45123)
• Canada
7 Sep 18
@ShifaLk Who has been more generous than our mother?
1 person likes this
@ShifaLk (17817)
• India
4 Sep 18
@1hopefulman not really... I just take help from my mother only.
But yes I've met people who have been generous in their behaviour with me.
2 people like this
@freelancermariagrace (27219)
• Philippines
1 Sep 18
It's always better to give than to receive. I always like helping people.
3 people like this
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
6 Sep 18
Yes we can. When we give back to others it is always given back to us.
2 people like this
@1hopefulman (45123)
• Canada
7 Sep 18
Even if one gives us nothing back or is not able to give us anything back, God gives us joy!
@allknowing (130064)
• India
1 Sep 18
That explains why I have a Trust that reaches out to the needy and that party I throw for the less privileged each Xmas
2 people like this
@1hopefulman (45123)
• Canada
3 Sep 18
I'm sure tat it makes you very happy to do that!
1 person likes this
@1hopefulman (45123)
• Canada
4 Sep 18
Very nice expression about positive emotions!
Yes, there are some real nice people here and it's good to share viewpoints and experiences. Thank you for including me in the group of nice people.
In my life, I have met some very generous people that have been very kind to me. I feel it is my duty to pay it forward whenever and wherever I can. The generosity of some people in unexpected places has taught me the value and the happiness of giving.
Yes, there are some real nice people here and it's good to share viewpoints and experiences. Thank you for including me in the group of nice people.
In my life, I have met some very generous people that have been very kind to me. I feel it is my duty to pay it forward whenever and wherever I can. The generosity of some people in unexpected places has taught me the value and the happiness of giving. 1 person likes this
@1hopefulman (45123)
• Canada
4 Sep 18
@gofsey Yes and this world needs these kind of kind people!
1 person likes this
@gofsey (1912)
• Madurai, India
4 Sep 18
@1hopefulman yes, unexpected places unexpected people lend a hand...it suddenly makes the world so much better.
2 people like this
@1hopefulman (45123)
• Canada
4 Sep 18
I hope things change for you, that you can get a break somewhere and soon can be generous again now that you are much wiser. Remember too, that generuisity is not just about money.
1 person likes this
@db20747 (43427)
• Washington, District Of Columbia
5 Sep 18
@1hopefulman Thank U!!! Yes i'll B much wiser and try 2 continue 2 B a nice!!!!
2 people like this
@1hopefulman (45123)
• Canada
3 Sep 18
When one gives from the heart, both the giver and the recipient increase their happiness.
1 person likes this
@1hopefulman (45123)
• Canada
3 Sep 18
It feels really good to share our blessings with others and it makes the needy's lives a little easier.
1 person likes this
