Just be happy already

Sean smiling.

Life is change. And life with a baby is extreme change.

People tell you it will be different. There is no way to communicate just how different it is. It has to be experienced.

Like learning how to do everything with one hand because you’re always holding the baby. Or realizing that your curfew is now the baby’s bedtime. And that you are never going to get to sleep in again. And that as the baby’s source of food, you cannot be apart for more than a few hours. And then there’s the overwhelming realization that you are completely responsible for the physical and mental well being of another human being.

I intend to start practicing happiness because it is all too easy in this kind of situation to succumb to stress and irritability. I have read about this method of tricking yourself into being happy before, but this article from The Huffington Post pretty much sums it up.

It’s all too easy to have a mantra like: “I’ll be happier when…” Such as, “I’ll be happier when the baby weans,” or “Things will be better when the baby can walk.” Substitute your own wishes and desires. “I’ll be happier when I get that promotion or that new job or get married or get my degree or have a child.”

The thing is, you’re living your life right now. So why not be happy right now?* What are you waiting for?

Every day will bring something new to be upset about. The baby won’t nap. A diaper will end up in the dryer. Nothing will come off the to-do list. Something will blow up at work. The spouse will have to go away on an unexpected business trip.

This is life. Life is happening. So instead of waiting for that magical thing to happen that’s going to fix everything, just be happy now.

*I realize this advice does not apply to those living with clinical depression.