Dear Editor:

I read a quote “stop thinking about your problems and make someone else happy”. As we enter the New Year,

I have heard many “prayer blessings” of prosperity for 2025. But the focus is all about us. The late President Jimmy Carter would say to his pastor every time they met— “Have you helped someone today? How can I help you to help someone else?”

As the song says “If I can help somebody as I travel along, then my living will not be in vain”. It is said when we give, endorphin is released in our brain which improves our mood and blocks pain. Endorphin is the body natural painkiller. Someone said some people deal with pain by taking drugs, and some go to church.

Our faith should be used as a deeper connection with God and not as a temporary support system. Jesus expects us to serve others. Our personal happiness is secondary. When we help others, we are taking the focus off of us and God’s love can flow through us. It not only helps others, but it heals us of our own pain. It is a good feeling to give our life away.

— Daniel Singh