Don’t Be Afraid to Be Happy: Finding Gratitude in the Moment

I love P!nk.

Her lyrics always seem to resonate deeply with me, and I’ve shared snippets here or in my work before. Music has this incredible power to bring out our feelings and help us heal.

Lately, it’s Happy that’s been speaking to me. Here’s a verse that hits home:

Since I was 17

I've always hated my body

And it feels like my body's hated me

Can somebody find me a pill

To make me un-afraid of me?

I don't wanna be this way forever

Keep telling myself that I'll get better

Every time I try, I always stop me

Maybe I'm just scared to be happy

Wouldn’t it be something—a pill to make us unafraid of ourselves? I know I’d take it.  I relate so much to the idea of being scared of happiness. And I know I’m often the one standing in my own way.

It’s easy to get wrapped up in fear, anger, worry, doubt—all the heavy things. Yet, what stands out to me is how some of the most joyful, grateful, loving people I know have lived through the hardest, darkest moments.

Their past doesn’t define their joy or their ability to be present in the moment.

When I was facing cancer and told I had six months to live, I felt like I was living my best life. My only goal every day was to wake up and love more. Every moment was about quality, not quantity.

You’d think I’d never forget the joy in simple things: loving, breathing, just being. But it’s so easy to lose sight of that.

I get caught up in staying healthy instead of being healthy. I fall into hating my body instead of loving every cell, every scar, and every pound of its amazingness. I worry about dollars and security instead of trusting and creating with the hands and hearts around me.

Music, movement, and breath help me remember what matters.

This time of year is all about gratitude. I know there’s a lot about Thanksgiving that’s flawed, but I am a believer in the heart of this holiday, gratitude, and thankfulness.

Take some moments this week. Listen to music. Step into nature. Hug a dog, a horse, or even a tree. You could even hug a person!

Be grateful. Don’t be afraid to be happy. Love more, not less.