Many of us, women, especially, sacrifice so much of ourselves, in order to make others happy. Our intentions are good, but the outcomes may not be so good. You see, sometimes, in order to make someone else happy, we sacrifice a part of ourselves. There is nothing wrong with sacrificing, sometimes, but you have to learn when to say "when". You also have to come to the realization that you cannot make another person happy.
There is a difference between sacrifice and compromise. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines sacrifice as "the act of giving up something that you want to keep, especially in order to get or do something else or to help someone". Compromise is defined as "a way of reaching agreement in which each person or group gives up something that was wanted in order to end an argument or dispute".
According to these definitions, in order for you to sacrifice, you have to give up something for someone or something else. You should not have to give up anything, if it means that you are less happy, as a result.
Compromising is different. It means "meeting in the middle", so that there is no need for sacrifice.
I often hear people say that they just want to be "happy", or that they just want to make so-and-so happy. Here is the issue with that: First, what does it mean for you to be "happy"? Take some time to yourself and figure it out. For me, happiness means to be at peace and free of stress. Once you have defined what happiness means to you, figure out how to attain it.
In my case, I have to ask myself what would give me peace and make me feel free of stress. A peaceful, stress-free life consists of a mind that is free from worry. I have learned that everything that has happened in the past is just that--- the past, and there is nothing that I or anyone else can do to change it. Knowing this, I have to accept what has been and allow myself to let it go.
It doesn't matter what it is that you are going through, the same philosophy can apply to you, or anyone else. Once you find your happiness, you will begin to attract others who are also happy. The more people with whom you associate who are at that level, the higher your "happiness quotient" becomes. You will soon find yourself in a more peaceful state and garner strength to press on.
There is nothing in this world that can stop you from attaining your "happy place", except for yourself. You have the power to do anything that you want to do, regardless of yours and others' doubts that you can't, so prove yourself wrong and rise up to where you belong. YOU CAN DO IT!
