I came across a Charlie Brown cartoon recently where the caption read, “Do everything with a good heart, expect nothing in return and you’ll never be disappointed.” This is what being kind is all about—doing things for others while expecting nothing in return. Someone once said, “Expectation is the root of all heartache.” This means if there is no expectation, then there is no heartache. In addition, being kind while expecting nothing in return is the pathway to happiness. As my friend Art Fettig put it, “Realize that in life, the more you give, the more you’ll receive. But don’t give just to get something in return. That’s not giving, that’s trading. Learn to give (be kind) for the pure joy of giving. That is the secret to happiness and the pursuit of happiness makes for one very rewarding life.” In other words, the pursuit of real happiness does not involve disappointment.

One Sentence Wisdom

• “When you can give without expecting anything in return, you have mastered the art of living.” — Jon Mead
• “When you’re helping someone and expecting something in return, you’re doing business not kindness.” — Unknown

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