We’ve all done it, haven’t we? That little game of ‘I’ll be happy when...’ You know, when life is supposed to magically fall into place once you check off some arbitrary milestone.
- I’ll be happy when I get married! - Until you realise your partner has a snoring problem that could rival a jet engine or they leave their wet towel on the floor after they shower!
- I’ll be happy when we have kids! - Until you discover that children are essentially tiny dictators with sticky fingers and a penchant for public tantrums.
- I’ll be happy when the kids are older! - Until they turn into teenagers who think you’re the most embarrassing human alive and only communicate in grunts and via texts.
- I’ll be happy when they move out! - Until they do, and suddenly your house feels like a museum, and you find yourself texting them reminders to wear a coat because it looks chilly out. Or discover that your partner and you have nothing in common once the kids have left!
And on and on it goes.
The Perpetual ‘Next Thing’ Syndrome
We convince ourselves that contentment is always lurking just around the corner. Once my partner sorts their life out, I’ll be happy. Once I get that promotion. Once I can afford a holiday that doesn’t involve budget airlines and questionable Airbnbs.
But here’s the kicker: there’s always something. Life is not a neatly arranged series of checkboxes leading to a euphoric, hassle-free existence. It’s a never-ending cycle of ‘just one more thing’ followed by yet another unexpected drama – because that’s what life is.
Alfred D. Souza put it beautifully: “For a long time, it had seemed to me that life was about to begin—real life. But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, or a debt to be paid. Then life would begin. At last, it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life.”
Mind. Blown.
Happiness Isn’t Waiting at the Finish Line
If happiness were a destination, surely someone would have arrived by now and left us a review.
“Five stars, highly recommend! Lovely place, no stress, endless sunshine, and bottomless cocktails.” 
But no. Instead, we have countless people still chasing it, convinced they just need to sort out one more thing before they can finally kick back and feel content.
Newsflash: happiness is NOW! Not after you lose ten pounds, not after you gain ten pounds (because let’s be honest, cake is happiness), not after you meet the one, not after you finally get around to decluttering the attic. NOW! In this messy, chaotic, imperfect moment.
The Art of Being Happy Right Now
Alright, so if waiting for happiness to magically appear isn’t the answer,
WHAT IS?
Laugh at the Madness – Life is ridiculous. Spilled coffee, traffic jams, that one sock that disappears in the wash every single time — embrace it. Find humour in the madness, because if you don’t, you’ll just end up with wrinkles from all the frowning and growing bitter day by day until you’re one shouting “Get off my lawn, you rascal!”
Stop Comparing Your Behind-the-Scenes to Someone Else’s Highlight Reel – Social media is basically a lie factory. No one’s posting about their existential crises, laundry piles, or awkward family gatherings. Focus on your own life, not Karen’s perfectly curated Instagram, its all a lie! I don’t show pics of my office. WHY? There are piles of paperwork, unopened mail, receipts and things to do but I do create exceptionally great posts, just like Mr Kipling (only the Brits growing up in the 80’s will understand this one!)
Do the Thing You’ve Been Putting Off – Want to dance? Dance. Want to start a side hustle? Do it. Waiting for the ‘perfect time’ is just an excuse to stay stuck. GET OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE!
Appreciate the Little Joys – A good cup of tea. A dog’s excited wiggle when you walk in the door. Finding money in an old coat pocket. These are the moments that matter.
Dance Like No One’s Watching – Because realistically, they’re probably not. And if they are, who cares?
The Moral of the Story
Stop waiting. Stop telling yourself that happiness is on the other side of something else. Life is happening now, whether you’re ready or not, so you might as well enjoy the ride. Remember The Grass is Never Greener on the Other Side!
Work like you don’t need money (but let’s be real, bills exist). Love like you’ve never been hurt (easier said than done, but worth a shot). And dance like no one’s watching — because honestly, even if they are, they’re probably just wishing they had your moves, coz I know my moves rock and I really don’t care who is watching!
Now, go forth and be happy. No excuses. No waiting. It's really that simple.
Just sod it, Smile and Be Happy!
