“But the fact is, you can’t change anyone but yourself.”

It’s hard for a lot of people to realize this one, but it’s so, so true. It’s often very tempting to believe that we can change others. After all, sometimes we can make subtle differences that make it seem as if we’re changing them. However, over the past year, as I’ve done quite a bit of changing, I’ve really come to realize that, contrary to what I might want to believe sometimes, you really can’t change anyone but yourself. And I’ve found that that can be one of the most frustrating things about having happiness project (or even simply being invested in personal development): no matter how much you change, that doesn’t mean those around you are going to change. Likewise, no matter how much you choose to focus on happiness and positivity, it doesn’t mean those around you will do the same. What it really comes down to is acceptance. You have to accept others for who they are and you have to surround yourself with people who accept you for who you are. Through the various interviews and blog posts on Gretchen’s site, I’ve learned a lot about different people think about happiness. Happiness can be a very unique thing and what makes one person happy might not make another person happy. While a happiness project can be a great thing, filled with tons of benefits, it can also be really hard to make changes in your life when those around you aren’t at all interested in making them. It’s tempting to want to change other people, even to think you know it would be best for them to change, but, as Gretchen said, you really can’t change anyone but yourself.

11 months ago  /  3 notes