Insight: It spreads like wildfire and returns by Lorraine Glowczak

Booker T. Washington is quoted as saying, “Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others.” If this statement is true, then the people who live in the Windham and Raymond communities must be some of the happiest people in the world.

If they aren’t, then they should be. 

This is a topic I have discussed before in my weekly insights, but I just can’t seem to reiterate it enough. The people in this small Maine community are the most incredibly giving people I have met, serving others in need beyond measure. I am awed, flabbergasted and astonished on a weekly basis.

Perhaps it is because I’m a relative newbie to Windham and Raymond and have landed in a role of reporter and editor of the Eagle that opens the door for me to witness all the service and giving that happens here on a minute by minute basis.

If you haven’t already, take a moment to read the articles, “PowerServe is at it again and the community is grateful” and “ACDelco chooses Sebago Lake Automotive to provide free vehicle repairs” (both on the front page).

If those two stories don’t move you, then I don’t know what will. If they do move you – they are just the beginning of what happens in this community daily.

What I find to be the most profoundly amazing thing is that this service to others is completed successfully by people without large sums of money, power and influence. It comes from a mysterious and innate pull to make others’ lives just a tad bit easier in some way. And in doing so, there is a karmic force at play – our lives become a tad bit easier as a result.

And from there, it spreads like wildfire – a wildfire of feeling good that comes from giving and receiving. 

If you are feeling down or simply can’t get out of the doldrums, I would like to suggest to you to find a purpose in helping others. It doesn’t have to be big and you don’t have to feel important. Find something you are passionate about and serve. I can guarantee that in your attempt to assist others, goodness will come back to you in some way. You will forget your own problems because you will be too busy assisting others with theirs. 

Try it. If I’m wrong. Well, fair enough. I apologize. But I suspect I’m right. How can one not be happy when you have a hand in changing the world for the better?