If It Makes You Happy
Happiness is a feeling that can mean different things to different people. What brings joy and contentment to one person may not have the same effect on another. However, one thing is for sure — we all deserve to be happy in our own way.
Yet, why do we often let the opinions of others ‘dictate’ our level of happiness?
Why do we seek ‘validation’ and ‘approval’ from others instead of focusing on what truly makes us happy?
It’s high time we understand that if something truly makes you happy, no one else’s opinion should matter.
From a young age, we are conditioned to seek approval and validation from others. As children, we strive to impress our parents, teachers, and peers. We are constantly seeking their praise and recognition for our achievements. While positive reinforcement can be beneficial in building self-esteem and confidence, it can also create a dangerous cycle of seeking external validation for our happiness.
As we grow older, this need for approval only intensifies. We seek validation from our friends, romantic partners, and even strangers on social media. We constantly compare ourselves to others and base our self-worth on their opinions of us. We let their words and actions affect our happiness, which is not only unhealthy but also unsustainable.
