The third negative belief system I had before I’d even reached the age of awareness was that I wasn’t good enough.  I couldn’t succeed, no matter how hard I tried.  I believed I was a failure and didn’t deserve good things in my life.

I have very few memories of my early childhood but every one that I do have is of trying to please my mother and failing.

I understand now that it is not possible to make someone else happy.  In the same way, if you expect someone else or something to make you happy, it will never happen.  Other people and things are externals. 

I’ve learned through long and painful experience that happiness can only come from inside – no matter what is happening or not happening in your life.

Your happiness cannot be dependent upon external circumstances.  If it is, then you are dependent or a slave to that person or that thing.

A couple of times I’ve heard one of my daughters say: “My car makes me happy” or “This makes me happy” and I shudder.  What happens when the car breaks down?