Is It Wise to Place Happiness Outside Self?
Dependence From Happiness Outside Self
In her thought-provoking post Why I No Longer Depend on Anyone Else for Happiness, Fun, or Excitement, Matana Williams shares her experiences with disappointment by placing happiness outside her control -- e.g., happiness outside self. She shared these insights:
Expecting someone else to make me happy is objectifying them.
I alone am responsible for my happiness and excitement in life.
You can reclaim your power.
Principle-Centered Happiness
I've personally found that placing your happiness outside something you control can lead to dependence, resentment, and generally feeling reactionary. Having a purpose -- through a clear sense of your "Big Why," core values, and set of principles -- is a great way to cut through the clutter of everyday life. These tools also provide guideposts to a happier life.
Happiness Posts is published by Darin M. Klemchuk founder of Klemchuk PLLC, an intellectual property law firm located in Dallas, Texas and co-founder of Engage Workspace for Lawyers, a coworking space for lawyers. He also publishes the Ideate (law) and Elevate (law firm culture) blogs. You can find more information about his law practice at his firm bio and also at his BioSite.