Mike Tucker: The Happiness Trap

Published: Fri, 07/27/12

 

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Hi ,
 
The pursuit of happiness is a tricky thing
that often ends in huge disappointment.

The problem with pursuing happiness
is that it is a trap of icy disillusionment.
 
I know what you're thinking but hear
me out.

The pursuit of happiness becomes a trap
when you're looking for something
external to make you happy.

Counting on your marriage or spouse
as your source of happiness is a
BIG mistake.

Seeking happiness from marriage, or
from anything else for that matter, is like
running on a treadmill and feeling
annoyed that you're not getting
anywhere!

Here's the truth: You and you
alone are responsible for your
happiness.
 
As long as you believe that the source
of your happiness is something "out there"-
something beyond yourself (with the 
exception of God), you will never be happy.

As long as you expect something
external to make you happy,
whether it's marriage, kids or a
career, you'll never be completely
satisfied.

With this in mind, have you been
expecting too much from your spouse?
 
Have you been leaning on them to meet
a need that only you alone can fulfill for
yourself?

If so, then this alone can be an
underlying reason for any marital
conflict you might be experiencing.
 
And you might want to consider
seeking Marriage counseling.
 
Listen, every couple has problems and
conflict for any number of different reasons.
 
So give yourself a break.

But here's what I know: It almost
never hurts to get marriage
counseling sooner than you think
you need it.

This is something most couples don't
get right. In fact I wrote a post over
at the blog today about the best time
to get marriage counseling.

In fact, I share a tip in the post that I'm
willing to bet will really surprise you.
 
It's a strategy that most couples I counsel
have  never even thought of but will
work wonders for your marriage.

You can find the tip here:

If you've been leaning on your spouse
or marriage to make you happy, then
I'd simply invite you today to consider
this truth:
 
You alone are responsible for your happiness.
 
Until next week, this is Mike and Gayle
Tucker and we're mad about marriage!

P.S. Think of anyone this tip might help?
Then please forward this email to them
right now while you're thinking about it :-)
 
P.P.S. Check out today's post - I think it
could really be a difference-maker in
your marriage: