Looking INWARD and Keeping FOCUSED...

Until one comes to the awareness, acknowledgment, and, acceptance, that, others, in his or her life, although capable of influencing his/her feelings, when allowed, have NO power over one and one's feelings, a person will always be at the whim of other people's attitudes, behaviors, and opinions. It isn't always, easy, to do so, but, I try, diligently, with each new day, to practice at the art of healthy-detachment. It is my focus to keep focused on my personal well-being, and, happiness. This doesn't imply that the feelings and concerns of others aren't of interest to me. Paradoxically, I am much, more, capable of being in support of others, when I better care for myself. The first step, toward such self-care, is to release the idea that other people in one's life are responsible for one's happiness. Ideally, an individual is obligated to be the master/mistress of his or her own state of well-being, contentment, joy, etc.. Although, external pleasures may add to these states of positive -mood, they must come from within, to begin with. It seems that 'we', as a whole, as a society, are more focused on external stimuli, rather, than on our own personal-prowess, our ability to find contentment within. There is far too much emphasis placed on the idea that we need be enmeshed in things outside of ourselves. I find that taking ownership of my feelings, by and large, allows for a better interaction with others, and permits me a more level-headed appreciation of and for all things that life presents me. In my opinion, there is no greater gift one can give one's self than that of freedom from the need for the approval of others, and, liberation from the reliance upon the material world for personal satisfaction. But, that's just me...