I recently came across a piece called “Mark Twain’s Top 9 Tips for Living a Kick-Ass Life,” and one insight struck me as especially timely during this season of giving: “The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up.”
It’s simple, wise, and deeply aligned with the work many of us are trying to do—show up with intention, generosity, and a healthy sense of perspective.
Twain’s timeless reminders include approving of yourself, questioning the limits you place on your own potential, letting go of anger, and not waiting for the world to “owe” you anything. His guidance is a useful reset: focus on what matters, lighten up when you can, and pursue the life you actually want, not the one others expect.
As you move through the coming weeks, consider this:
Where could you shift your attention from self-comfort to meaningful contribution?
Often, the fastest path to feeling better ourselves is showing up for someone else.
A small act of kindness might just be the trade wind that helps you “explore, dream, discover”—one thoughtful step at a time.
Kathleen