I’ve been depressed for most of my life. Some of that probably has to do with brain chemistry, but I think I also suffered from the delusion that Life Was Hopeless Unless I Had X, Y, or Z… which of course, I didn’t (and still don’t). But saying, I’m not going to be happy until or unless… is like putting conditions on your own potential. Because if I’ve already decided I don’t have what it takes be happy, then I’m also not going to feel good enough to do good things in the world. (At least, that’s how it works for me.) Oh, and then there was the breakup! A traumatic, messy breakup several years ago that I took to heart, and which sank the fragile happiness I had built up for myself unil then. But a little while ago, I decided I’d had enough of deprivation-related unhappiness. Instead, I decided to forge my own path by being happy FIRST, and seeing what unfolds from there. Let me tell you, though, enjoying myself does require some pretty heavy-duty rewiring of my brain! First of all, I have to make sure I’m comfortable at all times. Sometimes that’s a matter of putting on sweatpants, but in more serious cases it’s about deciding not to be afraid of whatever responsibility or prospect I’d been previously dreading. Upbeat music helps too. (I’ve been listening to a lot of ‘80s house.) But mostly, setting the stage to enjoy my life has been a matter of taking deep, slow breaths and telling myself I’m going to be absolutely fine. Some other enjoyment-focused activities for me include: vigorous exercise where I don’t have a chance to think; spending time with kids; making postcards with abandon; and writing cards to send to other (potentially depressed) people around the world, to brighten their day. ❤️‍🔥—Y.B.D.