In my teenage years, I went to a counsellor for depression and anxiety. She looked at me and asked, “Where is the fun in your life?” I will not lie, I felt offended because I thought having fun was a waste of time. After a bit of reflecting, I realised that having fun and moments of joy in life is incredibly important.
Up until the past year, I never genuinely allowed myself to have fun or enjoy life. I believed that to enjoy life, I had to earn it and that life had to be gruelling. It sounds silly, but I only started enjoying the beach last year, and I’m 20 years old.
You deserve to have fun and experience the moment without guilt.
For so long, I felt guilty about enjoying life when I had not been as successful as others or felt I didn’t deserve it. But now, I tell myself, “Not today.” Today, I will allow myself to enjoy the things that bring me happiness. I don’t have to earn happiness; I have the right to experience happiness and enjoyment in life right now.
The truth is that you deserve to enjoy moments in life and explore new things without being held back by guilt. It doesn’t matter if you haven’t been productive or didn’t achieve what you desired.
You don’t need to wait to start living and enjoying life.
-Evangeline
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