I made a decision one time when I was a high schooler, to always give people compliments, to always make someone around me smile or laugh. At that age, I realised that we all go through tough times. So I wanted any time spent with me to not add to such tough times, but to, as much as possible, ease it. I wanted to be the sunshine in people's rainy days. And for a while, I did this. People would always compliment my charisma. I was happy. I was content... or so I thought.
I soon fell into the trap of wanting to be the only sunshine in people's rainy days! After all, the world receives sunlight from only one Sun. I wanted to be their only source of light, hope, joy. When I'd see them joyful not because of something I did or said, I'll frown and get jealous. I had forgotten my original goal.
The beautiful thing about growth is, it gives room for improvement, to get better. I grew, got better and stopped feeling bitter. I identified how I was feeling and began to address it. I'd mentally make confessions in my head saying, "I'm happy for this person or that person." I corrected my mindset about wanting to be the only source of people's joy and happiness.
And I eventually came to this conclusion. That as much as it's within my power, I'll make sure to not add to other people's tough times. But that doesn't mean they can't do well independent of me.
