missing out on happiness

Counting the days by work shifts, the days til your bills are due, or the next big deadline is how most of us run our lives. We need to do what it takes to survive. But where is the happiness. Where does it go? This popular lifestyle kills us. It drains the smile right from our faces into a depressing frown.
   It's time to take a moment. Stop. Relax. Listen. Breathe. When is the last time you did something you enjoyed? Read a book by choice? Gone on a walk or run not in attempt to burn calories? Watched a movie and laughed so hard you cried? Called a friend you haven't spoken to? It's been awhile because we are too busy working to pay for this and that and the next thing. Don't get me wrong, strong work ethic is great, even attractive on some. But it's not everything. I have found myself in a cycle of all work, no play, all work, no play, for so long now that it's hard to hide the grueling toll it truly takes on ourselves on the inside as well as the out.
   We as humans need time to allow our souls to replenish and recharge. It's not selfish or lazy to take a day off. In fact, you need a day off every now and then. Utilize those moments, fill it with loved ones you miss or an activity you haven't been able to participate in because you've just been too slammed at work. Or better yet, use it to do absolutely nothing if that's what you need to do to refuel. Because you deserve it. You need it. We all need self-care and self-love and there is absolutely nothing wrong with stating your needs and what it takes to make you happy. Happiness is something worth fighting for. The cycle off all work and no play ends today. Life is way too fleeting for us to be so work focused that we miss out on this happiness around us. Give yourself a break and remember why you loved the job in the first place. Fill yourself with things that make you smile. It's time for that permanent frown to become a rare expression on your face. And when you get down, remember; it's a process.