Small Gestures

Recently, I read an article in the Washington Post about a study on “happiness” (A 6-year research project found a surprisingly simple route to happiness by Dana Millbank). The article captured my interest by beginning with the question, “How can we stay happy in an age gone mad?”

Here’s what I learned. The six-year Cornell study found that thinking about one’s purpose and then taking a step — even a modest one — towards fulfilling it is the most efficient path to living a contented life. The study went on to say, the value is in “getting outside of yourself. Instead of focusing on the symptoms that are problematic, what if we focused on the effort and progress made toward purposeful pursuits?”

Okay. The happiness hack made sense to me. Upon reflection, my life is enriched by providing support to nonprofit organizations that closely align with my values. mBOLDen Change is one of the organizations that I support.

But then I paused . . . because framing this as a “happiness hack” made me think about who this hack is really intended to mobilize and benefit.

Marginalized communities — low-income families, immigrants, communities of color, and many others — have long shown us how purpose and connection create meaning. They live this truth every day. They show up for neighbors, share what they have, organize mutual aid, and care for one another, often under extraordinary pressure. Purpose, and the joy it can bring, isn’t absent here. It is practiced daily, even in the most challenging circumstances.

So when we talk about a “happiness hack,” I believe the invitation is really directed at people who — because of economic security, social standing, or other advantages — have the means to opt in or out of caring for others.

If you have that kind of capacity, I hope you’ll join me in committing to do more to support those navigating far greater challenges.

This holiday season, I invite you to take at least one small action that brings kindness, relief, or encouragement to someone else. A few of my favorite actions:

• Smile and say hello to a stranger alone on the street.

• Hold an elevator door for someone.

• Buy a gift card for someone out in the cold.

• Donate to a food bank.

• Leave a larger than normal tip to a service worker.

• Donate to a nonprofit organization whose mission resonates with you.

When we act together, small gestures can become movements.

Hope fuels action.

Action builds change.

Change renews hope.

While none of us alone can fix all the systemic forces that make the world feel overwhelming, together we can make a real difference. If we all treat purpose — and care for one another — as our own “happiness hack,” we can build a collective movement that strengthens entire communities.

Happy Holidays,

Sue Sutherland
SF Bay Area Community Volunteer