What's So Good About Helping Others?

I've had the good fortune to travel throughout our great country, to Canada, Mexico and most of Europe. Despite how spectacular each trip abroad has been, when I walk through the DFW international airport, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude to be home, in America, truly the greatest country in the world--not just because we are afforded more rights than any other country; not just because we have the freedom to be and do whatever we want if we work hard enough, and not just because, even the least of us, enjoy amenities that 3/4 of the world can not even imagine (though all of that is true), but because we are generous too. Look at what we do for countries in immediate crisis like Haiti and what we have done constantly for countries, whenever they've been in need. ...and about that I have been ambivalent. When other countries or its citizens have criticized America (including those we've helped), my inclination is to say that we should close our borders, stop exporting and live off our own land, and just take care of our own, but when a cooler head prevails, I know that is neither good for us nor possible. Much of America's success is predicated on its generosity of resources, intellect and spirit. We are the country with a heart and soul. What is the lesson? How does helping others help ourselves? When we focus on others in need, we stop focusing on ourselves. Our problems feel less significant, and life has a different perspective. We don't have time to worry about ourselves when we're concerned about others. When we give to others, we are feel better physically. Feel-good endorphins are released and stressed related hormones reduced. Giving to others is healthy. What's happened in Haiti shows us all just how fragile life is, and catastrophe knows no boundaries. What can happen to one of us could happen to any of us. When we invest in others, the greatest dividend is that someone may help us when we're in trouble--not if but when, because the human condition is basically the same for each of us, and trouble is a certainty. We just don't know where or when. Helping others comes in many forms. My book Living Agelessly includes a variety of volunteer opportunities, some so intriguing and interesting that who's benefitting most won't be entirely clear.