When We're Helping We're Happy

 

            Work is often viewed as something that is unpleasant, or rather something that you have to do. I wonder what would happen if our perspectives changed; what would happen if we viewed it as something fun, or as something that brings us closer together. How would the world change? The world’s view on work didn’t used to be this way. It used to be that work was something that was a family bonding opportunity. It allowed for parents and children to work alongside each other and help each other with their tasks. Looking back, what made work so enjoyable for these people?

            Think about camping. What do you feel about camping? Why do you feel that way? My experience has been that I enjoy camping because it’s 1) a simpler way of life, 2) it creates a stronger bond with the people you go with, 3) you create memories, 4) you get away from the world, 5) it’s satisfying to work in nature building the tent, and etc.. 5) it creates a feeling of unity with the people you go with. All of these things, collectively, show that work can actually be fun, enjoyable, rewarding, and even become a bonding experience with your friends and family.

            So what about play then? Play time is also fun, but it doesn’t carry the same level of satisfaction that comes with work. With work you have a sense of accomplishment that builds self-esteem and confidence. Playtime is just fun time that also builds memories together. Both are good and needed in society today.

            “Did you know that people tend to live longer when they don’t retire?” Brother Williams stated in class. I mean it makes sense because they don’t lose their sense of purpose and accomplishment. If I retired I would feel a lack of purpose and accomplishment.

Furthermore, “[People] get more joy from helping,” Brother Williams continued. I have found that to be true. My favorite kind of “hanging out” with my friends is by working alongside them doing the mundane tasks of everyday life. I LOVE serving my friends because it gives you a warm fuzzy feeling, and there isn’t boredom. I’ve found that when we just sit, talk, and do nothing my mind wanders, and I get tired easier. I just don’t like to sit there and do nothing but talk; however, when a task is involved (like watching little ones), I feel so much more joy and I tend to stay longer because of the level of satisfaction involved with everyone.

I have a non-member friend who just had twins. Naturally, she tends to get overwhelmed when the both of them cry, so I tried to help her the other day. The level of satisfaction between the both of us was unreal. We had SO MUCH FUN watching over those babies, talking, laughing, and we even had a great discussion about the Gospel and why she’s not participating in it. We also had a deep discussion about something very personal to her which was great because she was able to sort through it in her mind. If we had just talked without helping the babies, I don’t think the level of satisfaction would be the same. I think we would have had a short discussion and I would have left feeling somewhat empty. Instead, we had a great experience, and a great time.

So, how is it that work can be fun? What are some things we can do to make work more positive? Some ways include 1) playing music, 2) discussing while you work, 3) make work a game, 4) reward yourself (with a cookie, or a game night, or another recreational activity), and 5) work together. One way I hope to incorporate these things is by getting my kids involved in the work. Kids love to help after all!