Have you ever noticed...

that some people seem to be incapable of happiness? They think that it is the people around them, but really, deep down, it is something inside of them, that keeps them from being happy. Maybe it is guilt, self-doubt, bitterness. Whatever it is, it tears at them. They resent those who are happy.

I have been studying personality types lately. It has been part of my class at CCU. What is interesting is the number of ways that we interact with others based really on what we think and feel. For example, I am an introvert. Because of my personality, I may not be as apt to walk up to someone and start a conversation. This has nothing to do with that person, it is all about me. But I can justify my action (or lack thereof) by simply redirecting the attention to the other person. "well, they looked busy," or "they wouldn't want to talk to me anyway." the point is that my personality is what holds me back. To blame others is really unfair.

back to the happy and unhappy person. Happiness is not something that another person give you. It is something we choose. The same goes for anger. I can choose to get angry or choose not to. Some people, maybe it is based on their personality, are naturally inclined to react with hostility (anger, judgment, bitterness.) while others are more naturally peaceful (happy, care-free, accepting). It is hard when you are one type and the people around you are another.

This is where the compromise lies. We must find a way to identify our own personalities, and how we can effectively bridge the gap with others, without changing who we are. Let me know your thoughts. I am interested in what others have to say.

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