Why Accepting Disappointment's Inevitability Will Bring You Happiness

One of life's greatest truths is that the people in whom you put your faith can and will disappoint you. Actually, the people in whom you put no faith can disappoint you, too. That’s what we, humans, are built to do.

People let you down because they can’t cater to your every need. They can’t be there for you 24/7, no matter how much you want to believe they can. Even the kindest souls cannot and will not always put your problems above their own.

Every person has his or her limits when it comes to being there for someone else. And, if you don't believe what I’m saying, you’re probably getting close to hitting someone’s limit.

People, no matter whom or how nice, disappoint. Family, friends, significant others. Everyone. No matter how strong or great of a relationship you have with someone, that someone will disappoint you at some point or another because ultimately, he or she has his or her own issues to handle.

And, you, my friend, will not always take precedence.

Another one of life's greatest truths? You, too, will disappoint. Along with everyone else in the world, sometimes you will choose to put your problems before others'. Sometimes, you will have a family emergency that trumps your friend’s relationship quarrels.

Sometimes, you will have a sick day and not meet a deadline at work. Sometimes, you will be too busy (or just too damn lazy) to do your friend a solid. It's okay to be selfish (or lazy, or busy, or tired).

And, it's okay to disappoint because that’s just life. You can try to justify a situation or someone’s actions, but there is no point. What’s done is done, and now, you know better than to put so much misguided confidence in someone else.

Disappointment is just a part of life. And, so is forgiveness. Your uncle will forgive you for not attending his 50th birthday party. Your friend will forgive you for not telling her that dress is not flattering. Even your dog will forgive you for spanking him because he pooped on your carpet.

Likewise, you will forgive those who disappointed you. Grudges are tiring to hold and some bridges aren’t worth burning.

I admit, the mood of this article is a bit pessimistic. But, alas, there is always a light at the end of the very dark tunnel.

Instead of just accepting that you will forever run into disappointments, try this instead: Stop depending on others to pick you up when you're down.

Get up, dust yourself off and climb your way back up. Stop relying on others to love you or feel a certain way for you.

Learn to love yourself, flaws and all, and every little thing that makes you, you. Stop counting on others to do sh*t for you. If you don’t know how to do or fix something… get your ass up and Google it. eHow it.

Do what you need to do to be independent. When you’re weak, find strength in yourself. If you're broken, put yourself back together. If you're out of options, create a new path for yourself. I promise, you have it in you to do all of these things.

Instead of sulking in your own pity party, kick life’s butt and be enough for yourself. Treat yourself. Inspire yourself. Motivate yourself. Love yourself.

Ultimately, all you have is you. So, make “you” the strongest, best possible version of yourself. Make "you" the only person you need.