Dependency or fulfillment?
Dependency or Fulfillment?
Dependency or Fulfillment?
Underlying Thoughts:
„But I love making strangers happy; it completely fulfills me. And I wonder, to what extent is this a learned behavior or dependency? After all, isn’t this when I feel happiest?“
There is a significant difference between fulfillment and dependency. When we need something or someone in our environment to feel happy, we create dependency. Fulfillment, on the other hand, means doing something because we genuinely love it—without expecting anything in return or seeking recognition. For example, if we need a specific person to feel good about ourselves, we are acting out of an inner craving. However, if we do something that brings joy to others without relying on it, we act from inner strength—unconditionally and wholeheartedly.
Personal Experience
I, too, have experienced what it feels like to seek validation from others. My well-being often depended on how others felt. I wanted them to be happy so I could feel better. But in the process, I realized I was sacrificing myself and becoming dependent on their happiness instead of developing and sharing strength and satisfaction from within. This dependency was an inner issue I had to recognize and resolve. It was only when I learned to be happy independently that I could truly give wholeheartedly.
Do This
It is enriching to see others happy—it connects us and makes us feel good. But it’s important to reflect honestly: Are you doing something out of genuine fulfillment and a full heart, without expecting anything in return? Or is your action driven by the expectation that others‘ happiness will secure your own well-being? Find your balance. Fulfillment stems from inner strength, not dependency.
Reflect and Ask Yourself:
- Why do I need others‘ happiness to feel good about myself?
- Do I really need to share what fulfills me with others to be happy?
- Why was it so important for me to always see my parents happy?
- Why do I feel responsible for the well-being of my parents or other people?
Read the following blog posts:
- The search for ourselves
- What is my fulfillment?
- What is my purpose?
- Find fulfillment
- Financial freedom
- Take personal responsibility
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