Sometimes I feel like this is the core of my recovery. I feel like I am learning that it is impossible for me to be happy if I am not making others happy in the process - or, at the very least, contributing to others' happiness by being useful and helpful where possible. I was listening to a workshop recently in which the facilitator said that all human beings are inherently loving and God-like in disposition, and that all selfishness and self centeredness goes against our deepest nature, which is why it makes us miserable. If God is a benevolent force, whether it is in us or outside of us, it makes sense that being a good and selfless person would make us happier. Might be common sense, but it took me 30 years to begin scratching the surface!