LTLYS, part II

What better day to keep writing about Learning to Love Yourself than on this very sacred, hallowed day of the Saint Valentine? 
(READ PART ONE: HERE)


There are times when I am talking to my sister, Amy, and she will listen as I complain about my current living situation or my body or my whatever. "Someday," I'll say, "I will own a home and plant my roots."

To which she replies, "And then you'll be happy?"

It's become a joke. And THEN you'll be happy. When... then.


When I lose 10 pounds, then I'll be happy.
When I lose 10 more pounds, then I'll be happy.
When I lose fifty pounds, then I'll be happy.
I've lost too much weight and with it my boobs! EEk! When I get bigger boobs, then I'll be happy.

When I can buy new clothes, then I'll be happy.
When I can get a new car, then I'll be happy.
When I am done paying these car payments, then I'll be happy.
When I buy a bigger house, then I'll be happy.
When I can downsize and sell this big house, then I'll be happy.

When I am done having/birthing all of my kids, then I'll be happy.
When my kids are out of diapers, then I'll be happy.
When my kids are all in school, then I'll be happy.
When my kids are all graduated, then I'll be happy.
When my kids are all married, then I'll be happy.
When my kids come back to visit me, then I'll be happy.

When we make $XX a year, then we'll be happy.

When I get published; when I graduate; when I get married; when I run a marathon; when I move; when I change jobs; when my hair grows longer; when my teeth are whiter, when I win the lottery...

... then I'll be happy.

Be Happy For this Moment. This Moment is Your Life!

We spend our days hoping for better ones. We spend our money on products and procedures to make us better than we were. $40 BILLION was spent last year in the United States on weight loss products and plans. Not million, 40 BILLION DOLLARS! On hopes, not successes. $10 billion was spent on plastic surgery in the US. Apparently, we are not happy with our current moments.

Do you remember this post I wrote about a picture of myself that I used to hate? We always think that the future will bring better versions of our physical self, bigger homes, more money, more trips, more love. But... sometimes it gets worse. Our bodies definitely age and slow. Nothing is a sure thing financially. Next year you might be crying like I did for your current face/situation/body. We don't know what the future holds. We can't say much for sure about tomorrow. So, love today. Love what you have. Love who you are. You aren't getting this moment back.

So, why are you still reading this? Go do something great with this moment. Go kiss your reflection in the mirror. Write yourself a love note. Make your bed, dangit. Men are that they might have joy*.

Love it. Work it. Own it. Happy Valentine's Day to YOU!

a