Member-only story
How I Am Rewiring My Mind for Happiness
A Daily Practice that is easier than I thought — and I feel more in control
Staying happy hasn’t always come naturally to me. I’ve been a worrier for as long as I can remember, constantly fretting about the future. As a student, I worried about job prospects. Once I found a job, I began worrying about whether I would ever get married, a concern fueled by my struggles with self-esteem in my 20s. By the time I got married, the honeymoon at work was over — and job dissatisfaction began affecting my happiness — even in my marriage. A few years later, just when I thought everything was going well, another worry crept in — what if I couldn’t get pregnant in time? After my baby arrived, I decided to leave my job to spend more time with my little one.
When I was ready to return to work two years later, job opportunities had diminished, and I began worrying about when — or if — I would find a job. When I finally secured a job I liked, my joy was short-lived because by then, I was unhappy in my marriage and even entertained thoughts of divorce.
Now I’m divorced and confident in my decision. I have a job I thoroughly enjoy, I’m in the best health, and I’m raising a thriving child. The road here wasn’t easy, but each challenge has shaped me into a stronger, more self-assured person. Yet…
