Have you had anxiety and/or depression for such a long time that you don't remember what it is like to be or feel "normal"? You get so used to the feeling of being anxious, depressed, and uncomfortable that you never enjoy any moment of your life. You always felt like you needed control, so you never were happy.

But then, as days pass by, you start getting a better grasp of your anxiety and depression. You finally start smiling and enjoying life. You start seeing things in a different perspective. But suddenly your anxiety interrupts and asks you, "Why are you happy, do you even deserve it?" You start to believe those thoughts and start to feel worried. I mean, what is the whole purpose of being happy? What is your exact definition of being happy?

You suddenly start to feel afraid of smiling because something bad might happen to you, or so you might think. Those feelings feel so good yet weird because you started to feel safe with the feeling of anxiety or hopelessness. Sure, the feelings may feel weird and different, but should your thoughts define you?

It is all you that makes yourself believe that you do not deserve happiness. Well I want you to know that you do and if something bad does happen, it is because that's the way life works out. At the end, just know that you, like every other person without depression or an anxiety disorder, deserve to be happy. At the end, it is not the situation itself, but the way you view it and act towards it.

Everyone will have good and bad days. Just remember, that the way you behave towards that does change everything. I want you to re-state those thoughts and realize how irrational they could sound and ask yourself these questions:

What if I laugh?

What if I smile?

What if I have good times/feelings?

Here are some positive statements that I tell myself and repeat because practice makes routine.

If they can smile, so can I.

Everyone has had special opportunities and events in their lives. So will I.

I am not the center of the universe, whatever happens, happens.

I am allowed to be happy.

Living life is better than worrying constantly, at the end only my thoughts hurt me.

I can handle my happiness, anxiety, and depression because I am strong enough.

I am allowed to look good.

I am allowed to be complimented and accept it.

I will make my dreams come true.

There is no such thing as a hard obstacle.

In this world, anything is possible.

I do not need to have control, I can just go with the flow.

Remember that it is hard sometimes to be happy and to accept the feeling, but as you try to sit with the feeling and not fight it, it will become routine and you will enjoy life once again. Once again, practice does not make perfect. It is easier said than done but don't give up!