How often in our lives do we do things because we are used to doing them rather than doing them because these activities bring us joy? How often do we do things for the pure, simple joy of it?

So often people living with mental illness and substance abuse engage in behaviors simply because that is what they know. People living with addiction are so used to using a certain drug or drugs or engaging in certain behaviors that those behaviors have become part of the fabric of their selves. But what would happen if you stopped engaging in those behaviors? What are you afraid would happen if you stopped engaging in the behaviors that no longer bring you joy? Who might you become if you stopped doing the things that no longer make you happy?

I often use the phrase “comfortably uncomfortable” to describe what happens when people live in the quagmire of mental illness and substance use for so long that they can no longer even begin to imagine a different way of living. The behaviors we engage in when we are living with depression, anxiety or addiction can keep us stuck in those illnesses. What would happen if we stopped engaging in the behaviors that keep us ill and instead started behaving differently? What would happen if you started doing things that actually brought you joy?

Sometimes finding things that bring joy when you are living with mental illness or addiction can be difficult. We grow accustomed to the behaviors that have kept us ill and it can be difficult to remember what made us happy before the illness took hold of our bodies, minds and souls. What brought you joy when you were a child? It is okay to practice those behaviors as an adult. Did you enjoy playing outside? Did you enjoy coloring? Did you enjoy being with your friends? Try getting outside in nature for 30 minutes a day. Purchase an adult coloring book and some colored pencils or markers and color again. Meet up with some friends for a cup of coffee.

Our lives consist of a series of choices that result in the behaviors we engage in. If you want a better life, you have to make better choices and start behaving in ways that bring you joy. Find what makes you truly happy and do more of that.