So often in our lives we say to ourselves, “Once I’ve done this, then I can do that.” For example, “Once I’ve lost 10 pounds, I’ll be happy.” We so often postpone our joy until we think we deserve it, when the fact of the matter is, we deserve to be happy right now.

What are you predicating your joy on? At what point will you let yourself be happy simply because you deserve to be? You deserve to be happy simply because you are human. Why do we have to earn something to be happy? Why not be happy now?

Every day is full of small victories, especially for those of us living with mental illness or substance use disorder. Getting out of bed is a victory, be happy about it. Making time for exercise to get those endorphins going is a victory, be happy that you did something good for your body and soul. Nourishing your body is a victory, especially if you live with an eating disorder, be happy about it. We should celebrate our little victories every day by engaging in something that makes us happy. Why postpone your joy?

We also tend to “save” certain things for special occasions, but is not life a special occasion? Go ahead and use the good china, wear the fancy shoes or the pretty dress because today is special, because you deserve it. You deserve to be happy right now, not just when you close that deal at work or finish that report.

When we postpone our joy to that time when we think we deserve it, we shortchange ourselves. Do we not deserve better? Do we not deserve to be happy now, in this moment, in this point in time? Damn right, we do.