Think of something you think is amazing, and got for it. Don’t think twice, I’m serious! Think of Shia LaBeouf if you need to and do what ever it is your heart desires.
When I was younger, and found out I was expecting a child, I had a lot going for me and put all of that and my dreams on hold to focus on being a mom for a while. I don’t regret anything. I learned a lot. But, I realized soon after my daughter was born that I wanted it all, as selfish as it sounds. Being in my early twenties, everyone kept telling me “too bad” and “you can’t do the things you used to anymore”, and I just kept thinking to myself, “why not?”
I want to tell you-whoever you may be- that you CAN do it.
I take care of my daughter and teach her all that I can, I work fulltime and am proud to say it has treated me well financially despite my occasional (almost frequent) complaining, and I take the time to take care of my body and mind. It is difficult. I am going to be honest. But, it makes it that much more satisfying to show everyone and prove to yourself how well you’re doing. And by “well” I mean happy. It is possible.
For most of my life I suffered from depression and anxiety. I didn’t look like I did but I really was unsatisfied with a lot of things in my life. Don’t get me wrong, when I had my daughter I was a lot happier but not about myself… I was tired, I felt unattractive, lonely, and afraid of what lied ahead. You are probably thinking, “gosh, Marina. You are too hard on yourself” or that I am exaggerating just a bit… Maybe. But, it doesn’t matter because that is your opinion and none of that is my business. What I feel and what I know is that depression and anxiety is a serious issue for ones state of well-being. It’s just not healthy and you just can’t know or understand what it’s like until you have been to that dark place. I won’t go into detail, but, I just wanted to express myself on how grateful I am to have not necessarily gotten past it, but acknowledge it, understand it, and move with it.
So, what did I do to change my state of mind? I went outdoors more often.
Since I was younger I have always loved the outdoors. My mother-despite being a single parent- always tried to take us camping and enroll us in outdoor activities. But, as I grew older and officially became an adult, things changed. I was STRESSED. I was stressed about everything and anything. I had a horrible relationship with my brother at the time, I was working a lot, I was going to school, and I was drinking and staying out late (which I rarely do now because I appreciate my body so much more). I was definitely going out too often and that time could have been better spent and my body been treated better. I obviously matured overnight once I knew I was expecting. That wasn’t hard. What was hard was going from one completely different life to another. My life before my daughter was fun, sure, but I was still very unhappy despite how easy I had it. My life was equally as fun afterwards. Just a different kind of fun (parents will understand). But, I was still suffering from post-partum depression and that lasted a long time. So, I started taking my daughter to the park. Started running more often. I also started taking more frequent hikes until eventually I became what everyone called an “extreme hiker”, which I thought was a bit dramatic as I saw myself as just a frequent hiker. I just really loved hiking. I love the outdoors. I love it so much because it saved my life. I am lucky to have such an amazing partner to confide in when I crave adventure and we do as much as we can. I have him to thank for sticking by me and doing everything he did to make me happy. 
So, for me, my happiness derives from my yoga, running, hiking, camping, traveling, meditating, reading, cooking, and most importantly… not taking for granted the people that matter most in my life. Your something can be a combination of things like mine, or just one thing that really gets you going. It doesn’t matter. What does matter is that you do it… Now.
Have you thought of something yet?
(For a little inspiration…)
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Marina Elena 