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| Johnny Karlinchak and his neighbor, Elissa Myers Photo by Bill O'Leary/The Washington Post |
When I want to help myself, I do something for someone else. So does Johnny Karlinchak.
When I'm busy and totally involved in helping someone else, I forget about what is happenng to me. I feel as though I am building good karma for myself and that I am part of something bigger. Granted, when you are in the throes of grieving, this might not be one of the first thoughts that enters your head, but in trying to feel better about your life, being selfless brings you positive energy and can give you structure and direction at a time when you feel very confused and lost.
Research from Mental Health America indicates that those who consistently help other people experience less depression, greater calm, fewer pains and better health. They may even live longer. Helping others has actually been shown to reduce stress.
And that means that eight-year-old Johnny Karlinchak is one mellow dude.
The Washington Post reported yesterday that when the recent summer storms hit the metropolitan Washington, DC area, many were left without power or worse. The worse in Johnny's neighborhood was that a tree fell on the house of his neighbor and good friend, Elissa Myers.
Johnny never thought twice about what needed to be done for Mrs. Myers and he jumped into action to help her as best he could. Please read this link to the touching Washington Post story:
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