To the acculturated ear, the sentiment expressed in this title is nothing short of blasphemy.  Aren't we supposed to work hard, sacrifice for others, go without, endure, put our needs last, don't be selfish, yada yada... and not worry about being happy? If we do all those things, one of the rewards we might get is to be happy.  Maybe. If we are lucky.

 

So we put ourselves last, do things we don't want to do, put up with other people's bad behavior and negativity. We show up at jobs we hate. We stay with partners who don't hold up their part of the relationship.  We allow people to treat us badly so we can turn the other cheek and get that one slapped too.

 

For what? Who is going to dole out the rewards for being a doormat? What possible gain can there be in living a life that doesn't make you happy?

 

I decided long ago that I wouldn't do that. Life is too short to short-change myself. And the time goes faster the older I get.  Thoreau said "Most people lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with the song still in them."

 

Are you singing your song? I am singing mine!