Joel Osteen says that "one of the most important keys to a better life is to keep yourself happy, rather than trying to please everybody else." Too often we get out of balance and try to "fix" people and solve their problems for them. Years ago I read a book by Melody Beattie called CO-DEPENDENT NO MORE about trying to rescue people instead of turning attention to our own selves. I learned that I am not responsible for other people's happiness. I am only responsible for my own happiness. I have to set boundaries. We need to quit trying to be the keeper of the Universe. That's God's job. If someone around me is unhappy, I want to be caring and compassionate, but I don't want to become depressed with that person. On the other hand, if I am the one who is unhappy, I don't want to drag someone else down with me. I want to take responsibility for my own happiness. It is truly liberating to realize that I only need to follow my own heart. I want to be a giver, but that does not mean that I have to be a people pleaser. Solomon 1:6 says, "They have made me a keeper of the vineyards, but my own vineyard I have not kept." If we keep everyone happy but neglect our own selves, our energy will be drained and then no one will be happy. This new year I plan to less stressed by taking care of myself and my happiness so that I have a huge smile that spreads happiness to everyone else.
