Member-only story

5 Daily Habits That Can Make You Happier — And Why Positivity Matters

Read this if you want more joy in your life

*Missy*
7 min readJan 3, 2025
A woman with long red hair smiles as her hair flows around her. She is wearing a tan v-neck dress and standing in front of the woods.
Image Credit: Photo by Sergey Makashin

I tried to take my own life when I was just 8 years old.

My parents were abusive addicts, and I was miserable. Since then, I’ve survived dangerously toxic relationships, a brutal custody battle, and major health problems. If you think I don’t understand the struggles of crippling depression or anxiety, you’re wrong. I used to cry myself to sleep each night because life was so overwhelming.

But I don’t hate my life anymore. Sure, some days are better than others — much better, if we’re being honest — but overall, life is good.

Did my parents or my exes apologize for their actions? Ha, not a chance.

Did my health get better? Yes, but I’m still diagnosed with several chronic medical conditions, including post-concussion syndrome, cervicogenic dizziness, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Did I win the lottery? Not yet — I’m a single mom in a trailer park who visits the local food pantry regularly.

But I’m still happy.

At 42, I’m happier than I was as a child, teen, or in my 20s and 30s. My life is better now than when I was skinny, financially stable, and healthy. Despite my…

--

--

*Missy*
*Missy*

Written by *Missy*

I mainly write memoirs, essays, wellness articles, and flash fiction. Thanks for joining me, whether you're here for fiction or nonfiction! :)

Responses (14)