Don’t wait for things to get easier, simpler, better.

Life will always be complicated. Learn to be happy right now. Otherwise, you’ll run out of time.

—Unknown

I have spent most of my life waiting for things to be better…to be easier. I’ll do this tomorrow, or next year, or when my back feels better, or when the kids are older.

But, you know what? That will never happen. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll have days that are better than others. I’ll have moments that make me happy. But things will never, overall, be easier, simpler, or better.

Things often don’t get easier or harder, they’re just different.

When my kids were little, I thought wistfully of how much easier it would be when they grew up. And in some ways it is. But in other ways, it’s way harder. Drivers licenses. Choosing careers. Staying out late. Moving away. Trips abroad. When they come to me for advice, I often don’t know the answers.

If I could go back and squeeze their little toddler bodies in a big hug, I would! Even as I write this, my eyes tear up.

I had older women tell me to enjoy them as children. But I was just so frazzled. I was in survival mode and stayed there for years. I scoffed at their silly words. But now I see the wisdom.

No matter what stage of life you are in, take a moment each day to stop and just “be” there.

In college?

Working?

Single?

Dating?

Married?

Kids?

No kids?

Surrounded by people?

Lonely?

As hard as this phase is, recognize that it will always be work. This thing called “life” isn’t easy. That’s ok.

Start now and make the choice each day to find something that makes you happy.