You don’t need to wait to be happy.

You deserve to be happy. Now. Today. In whatever season you find yourself in.

I was talking to a woman recently. We were having a deep conversation and she said something that really stuck with me. “One day I’ll be happy. When I meet someone and I’m in a relationship, then I’ll finally feel happy.” She paused when she said it and had a wistful look on her face. I wanted to hug her.

I understand that she wants to meet and share her life with someone. She really wants to be in a relationship because she feels lonely. However, what if she doesn’t meet anyone for several years? Does that mean she isn’t going to be happy until then? What if she never meets anyone?

Life is uncertain. You know this. I’ve talked and written a lot about this. Anything can happen to anyone at anytime. Trust me, do you think I ever thought I would hear the words, “You have cancer,” over 5 years ago? I was 42 when I was diagnosed with breast cancer and I never saw it coming. Never.

What I’ve learned from that experience is that happiness comes from within.

It’s an attitude and a mindset and it’s absolutely available to each of us. Whatever we’re dealing with and whatever season we find ourselves in. If you aren’t feeling very happy right now, you have to actively decide to allow yourself to be happy, and then do everything you can to help yourself get it. Make peace with your past, find gratitude in your current life circumstances, and give yourself permission to be happy.

I’ve heard people say things like:

“I’ll be happy when I get the job I want.”

“I’ll be happy when I have a nicer home.”

“I’ll be happy when I feel better.”

“I”ll be happy when I have more money.”

Sound familiar? You might have even had similar thoughts.  Here’s the thing about this thought process… being happy is actually a choice. A choice you can make each day of your life. And, your happiness has less to do with what happens to you and more to do with what you think about what happens to you. You get to decide.

Don’t wait to be happy. Instead, allow yourself to be happy. NOW.

I really hope you get whatever it is you want out of your life…the house, job, relationship, money. But, even if you don’t, you can still be happy. I promise.

Remember, time is our most precious commodity. Don’t waste your time or put off allowing yourself to be your happiest self. And, don’t look outside yourself to find it. Make the choice to seek happiness and refuse to stop until you get it. Figure out what it is that brings you happiness and joy, and then commit to doing more of what you like and less of what you don’t. It sounds simple, and I know it isn’t always easy, but sometimes we make our lives so much harder than it needs to be.

Make sure you’re helping yourself. You deserve it, don’t you think?

Find meaning each day,

Dara