We all have that one friend that we want to shake. Just take them by the shoulders and shake them until they smile. Because they’re wonderful, and they don’t know it. They can’t feel it. Something in their life has stolen their joy, and they’ve given up hope of finding the wretched thief. Their baggage starts to settle on your shoulders, and you feel obligated to carry it. You should carry it… right? Because you’re a good friend?
Yesterday, I tweeted this:
Our human nature freaks when we choose our own happiness over someone else’s. It says we’re selfish and unworthy and mean. But that’s just not true. If you’re not happy, how can you possibly share happiness with others? #ThursdayThoughts
— Aquinnah Bree (@AquinnahBree) June 21, 2018
I’ve been thinking a lot about happiness this month—my happiness, your happiness, everybody’s happiness. And I can’t say that I’ve fully accepted all my conclusions yet. But one thing is sticking with me: You must put on your own oxygen mask before assisting others. We rise by knowing when enough is enough and letting go of everything else. Only then can we truly allow our friends and neighbors to grow alongside us. We rise by giving ourselves permission to be happy, and no one else can give us that same validation.
What do you think? Is happiness a choice? Is it a matter of circumstance? Of fate? I don’t pretend to have all the answers, and I’d love to hear your thoughts. Hit me up in the comments below or tag me on Twitter @AquinnahBree.
Photo by Matthew Henry on Unsplash
Dear Kindred Spirit
Monthly book recommendations, author updates, short stories, sneak peeks, and more. Plus, download the prologue of my book!
Thanks for subscribing! *hugs*