I was having a great day, which is really awesome for me, knowing that I used to be a pessimistic and victim-mentality person.
However, one tiny thing ruined my whole day.
This got me thinking: What stops us from being happy?
Here are 5 things I put together today to answer the question: What is stopping you from being happy?
EXPECTING GRATITUDE AND APPRECIATION FROM OTHERS
This is a harsh reality I learnt in my 20’s.
You can’t control anyone. You can’t control how they treat you and what they will do for you.
All you can control is your own actions. You can’t even control the results of your actions.
After learning this important truth, I feel lighter – like I don’t have to be disappointed by expecting anything from anyone other than myself.
DIRECTING YOUR ENERGY TO THE WRONG PLACES
Years of bending over backwards for others has taught me one thing: No one cares.
No one cares that you went out of your way to do this amazing thing for them. They just won’t comprehend the magnitude of your actions for them.
That is why I realized: Being perfect is wrong. Going overboard, being a stickler for perfection, it isn’t good. Because no one will see that effort you put for them. Even if they show gratitude, it won’t begin to cover all your energy and time.
Nowadays, I do good things for others – but I don’t go crazy and bend my back like I’m doing gymnastics. I mean, I do yoga and I don’t even bend over backwards for myself!
SOCIAL MEDIA ADDICTION
This morning, I was so freakin’ happy. Instead of closing my eyes and basking in that sliver of fleeting sunshine, I went on my phone. Aaaand day ruined, happiness gone.
I saw something that soured my whole mood. I mean, doesn’t a girl get a second to enjoy her happiness? I don’t even go on sites like Instagram or Twitter, but the internet managed to stop my happiness in its tracks.
Next time I get a rush of happiness, I won’t go on my phone immediately. This is what I will do:
- Close my eyes
- Express my gratitude
- Take a few deep breaths
That way I won’t regret not being grateful!
PUTTING YOUR HAPPINESS IS OTHER PEOPLE’S HANDS
Other people can make you happy, sure. But what about when they don’t?
The people in your life are not obligated to make you feel happy.
They have their own lives and they need to work on their own lives.
Stop desperately waiting for the next time someone makes you happy. Stop expecting things from other people. No one is obligated to make you feel good.
HAVING THE WRONG DEFINITION OF HAPPINESS
I’ll admit: I had the wrong definition of happiness in my head, and I’d wonder why I wasn’t happy.
Today, I understand what happiness means to me: Self Fulfillment.
I am “happy” when I do things that make me feel fulfilled in my life.
Dancing to my favorite songs? That makes my day.
So, there you have it – the 5 things stopping you from being happy.
If you have anything else to add in this post, comment down below and I’ll get back to you right away!
Additional Helpful Posts:
- How to be Happier in Life
- 7 Ways to be More Positive in Life
- The Power of Self Compassion: 3 Phrases to Show Self Compassion
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