The Pits

 I will be happier when... <- insert applicable change here. ( AKA I finish school, when my family lives close, when I loose 10 pounds, when I find someone to love, when I find someone to love me back, when I don't have to worry about finances, when I have time for myself, when I can retire, when I go on that vacation to Iceland, when this day at work is done, when my kids are out of the house, when I have a baby, when this election is over, when this day is over, when I don't have this job, when I finish this list...) We tie up our happiness with satin ribbons, and place it on a shelf, pronouncing to the world that we will open that box, when we deserve it.

A nice coat of "one day's", "if only's" and "maybe next time's" begin to dull our box's colorful packaging. And we aren't closer to deserving that box, nor is life any closer to handing it to us.

WE CAN CHOOSE TO MAKE EACH DAY A WONDERFULLY HAPPY DAY. 
and we do that by the littlest of choices.

Two things.
That box is always available to us. All of us. Don't kid yourself into thinking that your situation is different or that it's too late. Even though boxes can collect dust, boxes still work just great after storing stuff away for a while.

Second. That box doesn't have to run dry. Our lives can be brimming with joy– if we choose to let them. Ask yourself, will this bring me joy/happiness? (or will it bring someone I love those feelings?) If not? Chuck it. Don't let nonsense and unimportants clutter your life.

let yourself enjoy life. 

Note: I do understand deeply that depression is a different matter. It is one which is chemical and deeply personal, and I do not believe is easy to fix in the slightest. However, I do believe that when we are moving, acting, and changing... that inspires a flickering hope. And hope saves lives.