Happiness Isn’t a Reward—It’s Just Mental Hygiene
I’ve realized that happiness isn't something I’m going to stumble upon while scrolling through Instagram. It isn't a surprise vacation or a text from someone who finally figured out my worth. In reality, it’s far less dramatic and much more routine. Happiness, I’ve found, behaves a lot like hygiene. It’s daily maintenance. It’s brushing my "mental teeth" even on the days I don’t feel like smiling. I used to treat happiness like a prize—something I had to suffer for all week just to get a glimpse of on Sunday. But I’m learning that it isn't a reward; it’s a skill. I’ve started building small rituals that actually serve me, not my "aesthetic." I stretch before I touch my phone. I make my tea without multitasking. I’ve even started speaking kindly to myself in my head—which felt incredibly awkward at first, but it’s shockingly effective. These things don’t look impressive from the outside, but they make my life feel so much lighter. I didn’t have to overha...