101 – Happiness is All Yours
Backstory
I am a self-proclaimed former acceptance addict. As a healer and health professional, it’s literally my job to help make people feel good again and I loved the attention and acceptance I gained from that. I would love the testimonials and the gratitude shown towards me for “miracles” performed after they tried everything else.
The harder the case, the more I loved it. And I would be myself up mercilessly on those that didn’t get the results I had hoped for.
This extended to my spouse and family for the longest time. I was only happy and “successful” when everyone was having fun and happy. When times were stressed with crying, fighting, or being pouty and ungrateful, then I too felt like I was a dismal failure.
Then, finally it occurred to me that this was a recipe for having a pretty miserable life! How on earth was I supposed to keep all these people happy just for me to feel happy! It was pure lunacy!
Action Steps
- Whether it spouse, parent, or children (or even team/coworkers/friends); where have you found yourself being a people-pleaser to the point of it making you happy or sad as a result of THEIR response?
- Practice one scenario with that person where they can be unhappy or displeased, and you are able to keep your status quo the same. You’re literally rubber and they’re glue!