Good For Nothing

Have you ever been good for nothing? In other words-have you done something wonderful for someone else knowing that you would receive nothing for it? There are so many volunteers that I have met recently who are constantly and consistently doing good for their community, their friends and their families. And they do it without the expectation that they will receive any compensation for it.

We tend to pay too much attention to the pervasive message in the media. I certainly do not need to tell you that the economy is in the pits. Jobs are scarce and poverty is rising. Gosh darn it!

ALERT: We can make the difference in the lives of others by doing good for nothing. Every day I read through my social media outlets about my colleagues who purposefully promote smiling, humor, laughter and joy. This is what I have identified as humergy in my book, Using Humor to Maximize Learning. Humergy emerges from the joy and optimism of our inner spirite. It promotes enegy and enthusiasm for life.

Most of us realize that when we do "good for nothing" - there are rewards. There is current research supporting the fact that our brain reward center receives a generous dose of "feel good" chemicals when we share humor and laughter with others.

There are also studies being conducted about what kind of brain activity is going on during generosity. It seems a mix of empathy and oxitocin are involved.

Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy are brought to you today by the letter "E"!

Wouldn't it be awesome if research finds that doses of humor, empathy and generosity cure depression? Keep smiling at everyone and evoke the "E" word today! Laughter and humor will expand your energy, enthusiasm and empathy. Oh and do become a "good for nothing"!