Just Be Happy!

The year 2020 was a rough year for the entire world. The U.S. presidential election. COVID-19. Quarantine. Difficulty with money. Travel restrictions. How much worse could it have gotten?

I suppose for some people, such as myself, we took on a lot of mental struggles. Dealing with depressive episodes and high anxiety is like trying to swim up a fast moving river while carrying an extra hundred pounds. It's exhausting and, at times, difficult to manage.

So, 2021 is going to be different. This year, I am setting out to enjoy my life, and help others get their lives back. So, here is what I've learned so far.

1. In order to take care of others, one must take care of oneself.

This is not a selfish thing to do. In fact, it's the complete opposite so long as it's not overdone. Meaning don't only think of yourself all the time, or you will be seen as inconsiderate and entitled. But, if you take the time to take care of yourself in the simplest way, I guarantee you from personal experience, you will find some sense of gratification.

2. Celebrate the little things.

Set small goals to reach the bigger goals, and celebrate reaching those little goals. It could be as simple as just having a good day. It doesn't matter what it is. Celebrate it. And how you celebrate is up to you. What makes you happy? What gives you that sense of accomplishment? Maybe it's ordering your favorite food or purchasing that one thing that you've always wanted, but never got. Maybe it's going on a trip or catching up with an old friend. If it is important to you, than it is important.

3. Set goals.

Big or small, every goal has a meaning to the one who made it. It could be to be more spontaneous, learn to cook, or simply plant a tree. You could even write a list of things to do someday, possibly like a bucket list, but obviously you should call it whatever motivates you.

4. Find someone who understands.

I found this to be very beneficial. You may have a therapist that helps you talk through your thoughts and problems. But, even a friend or peer can help. Someone who won't try to "fix" you or solve your problem for you or tell you how to feel, but someone who will just sit and listen or give a simple hug. It was this type of person who helped me in my absolute worst moments. And, don't take them for granted.

5. Listen to your heart.

If you don't feel comfortable doing something, don't do it. Only you know what is best for you. You are the only person who knows what you want, even when you don't think you do. It's perfectly fine to be confused about what you want, but that's why you ask yourself which decision makes you the happiest. Which decision tugs at your heart the most? What is your gut telling you? Listen to that feeling. From personal experience, I can tell you that it changed how I see myself. I now see strength where others see weakness.