“ Never give a human the job of making you happy.
Some days, they might call in sick.
Other days, they might quit.” ~ Vessel
Are you a fan of thought-provoking quotes?
Does the one above resonate with you, as much as it does with me?
The very first time I read this quote, I immediately thought, what a clever way to highlight the importance of “self-love”. After all, can we truly be happy, if we are relying on another person to provide that happiness? From my perspective, the answer is, “no”.
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How then do we find happiness? Simple…self-love. In other words, to “have love and happiness” in our lives, we must first “radiate love and happiness from within”.
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Sounds easy, right? In reality, it’s a much harder concept to grasp than most realize.
Many of us have unknowingly spent the greater part of our lives giving and receiving “contingent” love. Meaning, I’ll love you, if you love me in return; or, I’ll appreciate and show “love” for your efforts, as long as you bring benefits to me.
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This form of “contingent” love is born out of an attachment to the outcome, and that need is often the result of an existing sense of lack. All too often we give this version of “contingent” love to fill a void in our lives. Think barter system, only you’re bartering for your own happiness.
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What happens then when the contingency fails or the person you’re bartering with reneges on the deal?
This is the moment, when I’m contemplating this quote, where I, and possibly you, look back on past relationships, business partnerships and even friendships, wondering how often the love was “contingent”?
Now alternatively, consider if you were first to honor, respect and love yourself.
By having the ability to love yourself regardless of whether a situation ends well or not, you are essentially removing the need (or attachment) to the outcome. As a result, any love you give is purely a gift to the other person, and any love you receive in return…
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well, that becomes a delicious dessert, on top of the already beautiful main course you’ve provided yourself.
Sounds like a meal worth investing in!
So how can self love benefit you in business relationships?
The question should really be, how can it not?!
From the time you were young and green in the field, to the time you’re well established and move with ease, “honoring yourself” can be the stepping stone to a fulfilling and rewarding career.
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To truly honor yourself, means to have a healthy understanding of where you bring value to the table, while simultaneously acknowledging your inner moral compass. To properly navigate the business world, it’s important when entering new partnerships or situations, that you already know where you stand. If you don’t have a developed sense of self, you are more easily manipulated or swayed from your original purpose.
Whether you start today, or you’ve done-so for many years, truly loving and appreciating yourself is a key building block
for moving through life, love and business from a place of stability, versus a place of lack.
And that is cause to celebrate!
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Cheers! ~ Josette
About the Guest Author: We are pleased to share this blog written by Josette Gastonguay! She is the Administrative Manager of Corporate Affairs, at Viatris. Valuing integrity in the workplace, she strives to bring clarity and transparency through clear, thoughtful communication. Originally studying accounting at Robert Morris University, she has since found greater personal joy in the healing power of words. Being directly impacted by abuse at a younger age, she has since dedicated her free time in the pursuit of helping others heal from traumatic life events. Drawing from her own life experiences, she uses storytelling and poetry to help others heal, understand their own value and rediscover the meaning of love.
The content of this blog strictly represents the personal ideas, views, etc., of our guest author.