Keys

I once read a quote that was stuck in my mind for quite some time. I don't remember the exact sentence, but it sounded like this:

"We can never be happy if we choose to put our keys to happiness in everyone else's pocket."

There is some truth to this quote, isn't it? To a certain extent, our value of self worth is contingent on how others reflect upon us. What everyone else think is so important that we will go the extra mile just to please and impress them. Our 'image', 'impression', 'popularity', 'charisma', 'people's skill', or call it whatever you like, it revolves around people, and such quality become even more important in the working life. Sure, each of us can just live alone is a deserted island, then all the 'keys to happiness' belong to us and we can do whatever we like without judgement. But until then, we live in a society, thus contact and communication with people is the norm. 

So what happen when you let others keep your 'keys to happiness? They have total control of your mood in general. When they shower you with attention, even if it's to curry some favor from you, you will feel great, awesome, happy that you are someone important in their life. But when they ignore you, don't appreciate everything you've done for them, you will feel frustrated, angry, and perhaps even betrayed. It can be your boss, a person you secretly admire, that group of clique you've been trying to join, basically someone you've been trying to seek approval and acknowledgement from.   

Sounds pathetic isn't it?
Sometimes I live my life thinking I've been doing exactly all that.

Some of Will Smith's quote:

"We spend money that we do not have, on things we do not need, to impress people who do not care."

"Stop letting people who do so little for you control so much of your mind, feelings and emotions."


Well said.
Time to take back my keys, and give them to those who really matters.