I've spent a lot of my life trying to make people happy in situations where a) I had no real control over the sitution and/or b) it was out of a sense of obligation, and against my actual best interests.

Luckily, I do this less now.

I have learned instead when I can actually make people happy in non-destructive ways, and I've found a new joy in spending my income on my loved ones and friends.

I like doing nice things for my friends and family, and it makes me happy to do stuff and get stuff for them. I like to pick up the check for a meal, get gifts for holidays, and take them places when I can. It actually makes working more pleasant, because I'm directly connecting it with specific events and outcomes.

I work so I can pay my bills, and then do fun stuff with and for my friends and family. Seems simple enough that I don't know why it took me so long to get it.

It feels like the only way to live life.