Don't wait to be happy by Laiba

Don't wait to be happy by Laiba - July 2025 Scholarship Essay

If I could give my past self one piece of advice, it would be this: don’t wait for happiness. There is no perfect moment when everything in life will align and grant you permission to be happy. For years, I believed that happiness was something I had to earn—something that would arrive only after I finished my homework, aced my exams, or achieved my next big goal. But now, looking back, I realize that waiting for happiness is like waiting for a train that never comes.

When I was younger, my life revolved around deadlines and checklists. I was always looking ahead to the next test or assignment, telling myself that I’d finally relax and enjoy life once I got through it. But as soon as one task was done, another would appear. There was always another hurdle, another reason to postpone feeling good. I remember finishing a stressful exam, only to immediately start worrying about the next one. It felt like happiness was always just out of reach, hiding behind the next challenge.

In constantly chasing the future, I missed out on so many moments that could have brought me joy. I rarely took time to celebrate my small victories. I didn’t let myself fully enjoy weekends or holidays, because I was already thinking about what was coming up next. Looking back, I wish I had realized that those ordinary days filled with laughter, music, baking, or even just a peaceful walk were just as important as any achievement.

One of the biggest mistakes I made was believing that happiness had to be earned. I thought I needed to prove myself first, to get everything “right” before I could relax. But life doesn’t work that way. There will always be unfinished business, mistakes, and things I wish I’d done differently. If I wait until everything is perfect, I’ll never be happy at all. I’ve learned that happiness isn’t a reward for hard work—it’s a way of living, even when things are messy or uncertain.

If I could go back, I would tell myself to look for happiness in the present, not the future. This doesn’t mean ignoring responsibilities or pretending problems don’t exist. It means making space for joy, even on busy or stressful days. I would encourage myself to take breaks, to do things I love, and to appreciate the people around me. I’d remind myself that it’s okay to laugh, relax, and have fun, even if my to-do list isn’t finished.

Once I stopped waiting for the “right time” to be happy, my whole outlook changed. I started noticing the good things happening around me, even when life was chaotic. I became more grateful, more present, and less anxious about the future. I learned to celebrate progress, not just perfection. Most importantly, I realized that happiness is a choice I can make every day, no matter what’s going on.

In conclusion, If I could give my past self just one piece of advice, it would be to stop postponing happiness. There will always be another test, another challenge, another reason to wait. But life is happening right now, and there’s no need to wait for everything to be perfect before you let yourself enjoy it. Celebrate the small things, be kind to yourself, and remember that happiness is not a destination—it’s the way you travel through life.