We cannot make ourselves happy simply by deciding that we are going to “party” and have fun. But some of us miss out on many of the opportunities for joy that occur in our lives.
We can become so preoccupied with regrets about the past and worries about the future that we either overlook the pleasures available in the present, or we feel too gloomy and sorry for ourselves to enjoy seizing whatever each new moment affords.
Our concern for what we don’t have also makes it difficult to share the happiness in other people’s lives. Self-pity and envy are poor substitutes for enjoying whatever is sweet in a life that is not all we wish it to be.
Take joy wherever you find it.