befrienders

Choose to be Happy!

“Don’t Worry, Be Happy!”

Everybody tends to say this to someone having a wrong time, but what does happy mean? Is it that easy to be satisfied?

The word happy is generally defined as a feeling of pleasure or contentment. Such feelings could arise from something as simple as eating something delicious or seeing something beautiful; and can be immediately felt by a child who just got a new toy.

So, what do we do when we are having a bad day and finding it challenging to feel happy? Although we are told that it is fine to embrace our negative feelings, we could always go a step further by embracing those bad feelings and then taking action to exchange them for more positive thoughts. A bad day is no reason to ignore all other good parts of life. Many studies have linked happiness to health as a good mood helps us smile more, sleep better, and feel more energetic. 

One easy way to feel pleasure and contentment is to be thankful. I like to keep a gratitude journal to remind myself of things I am grateful for throughout the day. Small mundane things, like the bus arriving on time or remembering to bring an umbrella on a rainy day. By doing so, you will likely realise that you are luckier than you think. I also know someone who practices ‘gratitude hour’ where he spends an hour every Friday sending emails thanking people who helped him throughout the week.

Most people have also heard of the adage – It’s better to give than to receive. While rewarding ourselves, we must also remember that we are all capable of spreading happiness by building a more compassionate world and not forgetting the needy. You could start by gifting to those who need it or volunteering your time, as experiences provide a higher level of happiness than material items.

If there is one particular day each year where we should put in extra effort to purge all negative emotions from our system, that would be 20 March, also known as the International Day of Happiness. First celebrated on 20 March 2013, the United Nations General Assembly established the International Day of Happiness to make people worldwide realise the importance of happiness in their lives. Building on the idea, the United Nations also launched 17 Sustainable Development Goals aiming to eradicate poverty, reduce inequality and protect our planet to make people’s lives happier. (More information can be found here: https://www.undp.org/sustainable-development-goals)

Here at Club Rainbow, we hope that our beneficiaries can live as happily as possible despite the challenges they face in their lives. In conjunction with this year’s International Day of Happiness, we would appreciate your support for our efforts to make this world a better place for children in Singapore living with chronic illnesses. Actions matter, and you can make happiness a choice every day!

Written by: Tang Su Yen
Edited by: Club Rainbow (Singapore)


We welcome volunteers to support our beneficiaries and passionate individuals who like to kickstart creative fundraising initiatives. Email us at crscpm@clubrainbow.org to start your journey with us today! Other ways you can be part of - https://www.clubrainbow.org/take-action.

Traits of a befriender. Have you got it?

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by Navya Singh, Content Contributor

Yay, you get to volunteer as a befriender! But wait, what are you supposed to do? What qualities do you need? What are the dos and don’ts? Not to worry, we have got just the article to help you! Here is the ultimate guide on how to be a befriender

Tan Erica, a student at SIM, shares her dos and don’ts of being a befriender. Erica spends her free time volunteering, making beautiful cards and spending time with her friends. When not doing that, she can be found at a quaint café enjoying a cup of coffee.

DO NOT

1. Talk about sensitive issues

Avoid sensitive topics such as religion, politics and family unless you are super close to your beneficiary. Stick to lighter topics. Ask about their favourite shows, movies, hobbies etc. If you’re lucky you might find common ground and really get to bond!

2. Overpromise

You might find that your beneficiary really enjoys your visits. As a result, you say perhaps you could visit more often. Do not say that. Do not promise anything until you are sure of it. If you make promises and break them, they tend to remember. And this will harm your relationship…

Read more - http://bit.ly/2vWIM03


First published in Club Rainbow Singapore LinkedIn article.