A few years ago, I realized that whatever a person needs, they already possess.

In other words, we are not deficient in skills and traits to be happy. We have those. Each person just has to realize this and uncover it. Too often we see having issues and being unhappy as needing something. Self-help and even therapy focuses on people gaining confidence, empathy, emotional intelligence, and the list goes on. I think these have a place in our lives to help us grow.

But again, we are nurturing what is already within us.

I was reminded of this watching Stranger Things. I have skipped many seasons, so I don’t know all the details. But I have recorded audio of (okay, I am going to google the characters) Will talking to Robin. Will struggles with fear and dealing with the trauma of getting taken during the first season to the Upside Down. I believe both Will and Robin are struggling with the complex issue (in the 1980s) of being gay. However, their struggle is universal.

The dialogue is powerful and one I think people need to hear.

We are complete powerful beings. When we struggle, it is because of things that hide this and tell us we are not.

What people see in us as a liability may be our strengths.

I think the first step to happiness is realizing we have that ability.