If It Makes You Happy

“If it makes you happy, no one else’s opinion should matter”.

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.

The truth is, seeking validation from others is a never-ending cycle. There will always be someone with a different opinion or expectation of us. We cannot control what others think or say about us, but we can control how much weight we give to their opinions. Our happiness should not depend on the approval of others.

It’s important to remember that everyone has their own biases, thoughts, and opinions based on their own experiences and perspectives. What makes one person happy may not necessarily bring happiness to another.

So why do we let the opinions of others hold so much power over us?

One reason could be the fear of judgement and rejection. We don’t want to be seen as different or go against societal norms. We fear being ostracized by others. However, living our lives based on the approval of others is not truly living at all. It’s like wearing a mask and hiding our true selves to fit in with the crowd. This can lead to feelings of emptiness and dissatisfaction, as we are not being our authentic selves.

Another reason could be the pressure to live up to someone else’s expectations. We often let the opinions of our loved ones dictate our decisions and choices, whether it’s choosing a career path, getting married, or starting a family. While it’s important to consider the advice of those close to us, we should ultimately make decisions based on what truly makes us happy and fulfilled.

It’s also worth noting that sometimes, people’s opinions are not coming from a genuine place of concern but rather from their own insecurities and jealousy. They may try to bring us down or discourage us from pursuing our passions because they are afraid of taking risks themselves. In these situations, it’s important to remember that their opinions say more about them than they do about us. We should not let their negativity and jealousy dim our own happiness.

So how do we break free from the cycle of seeking validation and approval from others?

The first step is to start focusing on ourselves and our own happiness. What truly makes us happy? What are our passions, dreams, and goals? It’s important to identify these things and prioritize them in our lives.

Next, we need to learn to trust ourselves and our own judgement. We know ourselves better than anyone else, and we should trust that we know what is best for us personally. We should not let the fear of judgement or rejection hold us back from pursuing what makes us happy.

Surrounding ourselves with Positive and Supportive people is also crucial. We should seek out friends and loved ones who genuinely care for our well-being and support us in our happiness. These are the people whose opinions should matter to us, as they have our best interests at heart.

It’s also important to practice self-love and acceptance. We should learn to love and accept ourselves for who we are — ‘flaws and all’. When we have a strong sense of self-love, the opinions of others hold less power over us. We become more resilient and confident in our own happiness.

In conclusion, if something makes you truly happy, no one else’s opinion should matter. Our happiness should not be dependent on the approval and validation of others. It’s time we break free from seeking external validation and start prioritizing our own happiness. Let’s learn to trust ourselves, surround ourselves with Positive influences, and practice self-love.

At the end of the day, our Happiness is our own responsibility, and we should not let anyone else dictate that.