"How can I be truly happy?" you may ask.

"What is the secret of lasting joy and contentment?"

I have received numerous letters from readers, eagerly seeking the answer to these same questions. A life of peace, joy, fulfillment, that is long-lasting and enduring.

Recently, a reader wrote to me: "I am about to turn 40 and looking back on my life I have been miserable for most of it. I worry about past mistakes to the point of never trying anything new and have no confidence in anything I do. I seem to go out of my way to remain alone. How can I find happiness in who I am again? I don't want to live another 40 years unhappy, sad and alone."

Dear readers, there is an answer. In studying people from every walk of life, I've discovered one main principle upon which their happiness has been built. It's a simple law of living, an eternal truth that is found in the Bible. And when followed, it brings with it great and abiding happiness.

Ecclesiastes 11:1 says, "Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days."

Proverbs 19:17 affirms, "One who is gracious to a poor man lends to the Lord, And He will repay him for his good deed."

Galatians 6:9 reveals, "Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary."

Hebrews 6:10 says, "For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints."

The principle is service. The more you generously give to other people, the fuller, richer, and greater your own life becomes. Give of yourself through service, and as you give out love, kindnesses and helpfulness, the same will always come back to you.

There are hundreds of opportunities each day to bring light, hope and happiness to someone. Pursue love and create it. Radiate kindness, because that is the nature of God within you. And when you ask for blessings for another, your own life is blessed because the love of God then fills your heart and mind.

Do you know that you are a creator by the words that come out of your mouth? So lift up a person with an encouraging word, if they are discouraged. Be a friend to another who feels alone. Do a good deed in secret, without a thought of any return or reward. And if you can help others fulfill their dream, joyfully do so. Thus, as you continue sharing an aura of love, thoughtfulness, and peace with those around you, soon it will become second nature. When you love, you experience the joy of love multiplying itself within you. Therefore, always be ready, with a helping hand, to assist those you find on the road of life.

Do you have sorrows, regrets or worries? One of the best ways to get your mind off of your troubles and lighten the weight of your burden is to lose yourself in the service of others.

A short time ago, I read about Leland and Jan Stanford who founded Leland Stanford Junior University. Stanford was once the governor of California and he and his wife had a beloved son named Leland, Jr.

While on a family trip to Europe, young 15-year-old Leland passed away from typhoid fever. It was purported to be said that after his son's untimely death, Stanford uttered to his wife, "The children of California shall be our children." That was the beginning of Stanford University, built as a memorial for their only child.

Devoting their energies toward making life better for others and giving of themselves in service, helped the Stanfords to alleviate their own difficult circumstances, and in the process their affliction was lessened by love.

E-mail columnist and author Catherine Galasso-Vigorito at cgv@anewyouworldwide.com and visit her Web site at www.anewyouworldwide.com.