I Own My Happiness
As Kid Cudi spoke about our pursuit of happiness, everything that shines, ain’t always going to be gold. It is a reminder that not everything is as it seems. We will encounter both internal and external challenges. Nonetheless it's a common tendency to assign our emotional well-being to external factors—circumstances, relationships, money or events. Yet, a profound truth underscores that often the only obstacle to our happiness is ourselves. This week we jump into the idea, “the only person stopping me from happiness is me.” It’s insightful to understand that we are in control of the things we spend our time thinking about and the reactions to life around us.
Our thoughts serve as architects of our reality, shaping perceptions, influencing emotions, and determining our outlook on the world. Acknowledging the impact of our thought patterns is the initial step toward reclaiming control over our happiness. It is often said our perception is reality. Often the way we perceive things are not the way they are. We wish all our thoughts to be real and truthful, but that isn’t true. While external events may lie beyond our control, the power to choose our perspective rests firmly within us. The same situation can be perceived positively or negatively based on how we frame it in our minds, granting us agency over our emotional responses. Therefore, be mindful of your thoughts.
In being mindful, the practice of being fully present in the moment without judgment enables us to observe our thoughts objectively. By cultivating this mindful awareness, we gain insights into the patterns of our thinking, laying the foundation for transformative change. This helps lead into how we think objectively over emotionally in developing our reactions to off-putting events.
External events often escape our control, but our reactions to these events are entirely within ourselves. It is not the action that makes us, but the reaction that others remember. We cannot control how others speak to us or treat us. It is on us to recognize and not reciprocate. If we match this fire with more fire, we run the risk of being no better than this other person and then make what they said about us more true. In these times, practice patience. 9/10 times that other person just wants specific attention. You do not have to get them that attention.
This patience then shows us impulse controls to adverse events. Through a mindful approach, we can shift from reactive responses to thoughtful, intentional reactions, placing us in the driver's seat of our emotional well-being. Patience helps us build emotional intelligence in recognizing, understanding, and regulating our emotions. This skill enables us to respond to challenges with composure rather than being carried away by intense emotions, constituting a key aspect of taking control.
By choice the threads of happiness are woven into the fabric of our thoughts and reactions. The realization that we are often the only obstacle to our happiness is both empowering and liberating. By taking control of our internal landscape, we become architects of a more fulfilling and contented life. As we traverse life's complexities, try to embrace the power of mindfulness, intentional reactions, and an internal focus of control. In doing so, we not only enhance our individual well-being but also contribute positively to the world around us. Happiness is not an elusive destination; it's a journey guided by the choices we make within our own minds and hearts.
