Some pursue happiness. Others create it within themselves.

— Anonymous

 

When I wait for someone else to make me happy, I am doomed to a lifetime of unhappiness. I have learned that I cannot condition my attitude on other people. It is not their role in life to make me happy, nor is it generally their goal. Equally, nobody else can make me unhappy. I may not agree with or like someone else's actions or opinions, but the way I react to them is my choice. Whenever I say “you made me sad”, I am giving up my right to control my own life and handing that power over to someone else. I choose to keep my life in my hands, and in the hands of my higher power.

A meditation for February 8, 2013.