The only keeper of your happiness is...

The only keeper of your happiness is you.

Stop giving other people power to control your smile, your attitude, and your worth.

Never hand the keys to your happiness to someone else. Live life on your terms, doing what you love, and seeking out challenges and experiences that enrich your soul.

No one knows your dreams, goals, and fears better than you do.

No other person is there for you like you are -- 24 hours a day, seven days a week. No one has gone through the very ordeals you've confronted.

To give others control over your emotions is to sign away your right to be happy.

It puts you at the mercy of others who may not always have your best interests at heart -- people who might leave your life at any given moment.

Sharing your happiness with the people you love is one thing. Depending on them to be happy is another.

When you place your happiness in the hands of others, you expect them to think and act as you would. You anticipate that they will always be there for you when you need them. You give them license to validate your decisions.

But this is a terrible mistake on several counts.

For one, the higher you set your expectations of others, the more they're bound to disappoint you.

Yes, there are a few special souls who are there to support us when we really need them. But, sadly, many people bolt during those tough times in our lives because they want no part of it. They wish only to be around for the happy occasions.

You should live a happy life independently of others. From friends and siblings to our partner and kids, others are meant to enhance our lives, but they don't complete them.

We do that on our own.

The only person's approval you need is your own. If you're unhappy about something, change it in whatever you -- and not others -- see fit.

Yes, they're welcome to make suggestions. But you're under no obligation to take them if you feel they run contrary to your gut instincts.

At the end of the day, you need to look deep within yourself for answers.

If you seek happiness in and through other people, it will forever elude you. Happiness is found nowhere but inside of us. We are the true source of happiness in our lives.

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