People-Pleasing Debunked

This week, I've made an observation that I should've really made forever ago and saved myself a lot of trouble:

People who spend their whole lives trying to please others aren't very likable in the long run.

Yeah, I know, look at any Pinterest quote board and it'll tell you that a million times.  But sometimes, you have to figure things out for yourself to have them really mean something to you.  And I think I finally figured that out this week.

I've spent much of my life trying to please others--I think it's just in my nature.  I lost count long ago of the times that I forwent the things I really loved and wanted to do in order to please another person.  Do that enough, and you start to feel like you're on the rack--being stretched thin, painfully pulled in different directions.  People will demand as much time and energy as you let them take.  They almost always expect whatever they're worried about to be your number one concern.  Go to a few different college classes and you'll see that point proven over and over again.

The thing is, every time I let someone else determine my priorities, I found no happiness.  Every time I stretched myself thin trying to please others, I found no approval.

So what's the point in being miserable if no one else appreciates it?

I realized this week that no one will ever appreciate my time and my effort, me, as much as I do.  So there's no point at all in being unhappy.  When you embrace life and do what you want to do--spend time on those secret things that give you happiness and balance, then you don't care what other people think.  You're too busy being happy.  And then, only then, will people see your happiness, radiance, and comfort with yourself and hop on for the ride.

So be confident.  Do the secret, never-tell-anyone-because-it's-too-special things that enrich the person you were meant to be.  People-pleasers get stepped on and ignored.

Happy, soulful, brave people stand out.