"No one who achieves success does so without the help of others.  The wise and confident acknowledge this help with gratitude."
                              -Alfred North Whitehead

It is amazing how being kind to others radiates joy back into our lives. You may have read in biblical scriptures where Christ mentions the rewards to you are "sevenfold."  But how does being gracious bring us happiness?  And how does our happiness increase by being grateful?

We all have within us the power to know the right path for our lives.  When we face a decision, we can connect with that inner power to assist us to make the right choice. But, to use this inner power correctly, you need to have a deep level of appreciation and gratitude.

Have you noticed when you have done something for someone else, or have given a gift to someone else (for example, a compliment, a card, a present), that you imediately feel good?  Where is this feeling originating from?  The answer is quite simple.  You're feeling the positive energy that the person you gave the gift to is radiating.  You're feeling their energy.  Doesn't that feel great?  Here's another fact that you may not be aware of.  Anyone who see's you give the gift also gains from your energy of giving.  Just seeing you give to another person lifts others in the immediate vicinity.  And the observers also radiate happiness back to you. 

I am not saying that you should only give in the presence of others, but do realize that by making someone's day a bit better, that positive energy continues on like a ripple in a pond outwards helping others throughout the day.  And many times without realizing it, that positive energy is being reflected back to you- the gracious giver.

But it does not stop here. The person who you have given the gift to, many times feel that they would like to return the favor to you. You have begun to create a positive impression of yourself in their mind which will lead to positive, happy feelings whenever your paths cross. And remember the observers? They too have altered their feelings towards you.

A rule of thumb to use when confronting a decision is how your response makes you and the others feel.  If you answer yes to your decision, will a yes benefit both you and others and make you both feel better?  If so, yes is the correct decision.  If by answering yes either you or others would feel badly, then the answer to your decision is incorrect.