Are you putting off feeling happy UNTIL your lucky stars are aligned just right in your life sky? Not a good idea. Trying to pin the tail of your happiness on the stress donkey will make you into a mule of unhappiness who feels like a beast of burden.
Here’s how the happiness-deadening word “UNTIL” tricks you into believing illogically that, “I can’t enjoy life UNTIL…
UNTIL all this stress is settled…I can’t relax.
UNTIL I know what’s going to happen…I’ll stay uptight and be worried.
UNTIL this rough week is finally over…I’ll be pressured, sleep fitfully and feel fretful.
UNTIL you agree with me…I’m going to be ticked off.UNTIL the event (speech, wedding, trip, etc.) is over…I can’t have peace of mind.
UNTIL I get my point across…I can’t give them a piece of my mind due to retribution.
UNTIL I get my desk or office organized…I’m going to criticize myself for being lazy.
UNTIL I can find a new job that I like…I’m going to hate my work and where I work.
UNTIL I get an apology…I’m staying cranked up and peeved.
UNTIL I lose weight…I won’t feel sexy, confident or attractive.
UNTIL I learn patience, I’m going to keep picking at my kids’ faults.
UNTIL I can make my life partner listen to me…I can’t feel satisfied or happy.
UNTIL I have money…I won’t feel like a winner.
Well, you get the gist of procrastinating your happiness away with a single “brainwashing” word UNTIL. Did you know: Key words in the spoken language are “command words” that your mind faithfully complies with the “injunction” and implements….UNTIL is one of these “command words.” “Hard” is another one, as in: “IT’s so HARD!”
Now hear this: You can’t afford to wait UNTIL…including the old gospel tune that you won’t be happy UNTIL you reach Heaven. I’m not saying don’t be mad or occasionally aggravated. I’m just saying don’t get even (or behind) by taking your happiness away from yourself. After all, you happiness is only guaranteed to you this day…and this day alone. And once this day is done…it’s done.
It isn’t a sin to feel happy, nor should you feel “compelled” to feel happy. Whatever you feel, feel happy that you are alive to feel what you do. All I’m saying is that you aren’t alone when it comes to striving to be happy in this crazy world that is teeming with chaos.
Dr. Dennis O’Grady isn’t waiting “UNTIL he has time…” to be a blogging psychologist and talk to you today. Talk back to me. Talk with me! Dennis is the author of TALK TO ME: Communication Moves to Get Along with Anyone” that shows you how to “talk positively to yourself” for a change of heartmind.