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Nathan Lopes Cardozo

Do Not Wait Until COVID-19 is Over

Melissa, www.pexels.com

We convince ourselves that life will be better after we get married.

After we have a baby.

Then we are frustrated that our kids aren’t old enough, and we believe we will be more content when they are.

Then we are frustrated that we have teenagers to deal with. Certainly, we will be happy when they outgrow that stage.

We tell ourselves that our lives will be complete when our spouse gets his or her act together; when we get a nicer car, when we are able to go on a nice vacation, or when we retire.

*****

The truth is that there is no better time to be happy than right now.

If not now , when?

Our lives will always be filled with challenges. It is best to admit this to ourselves.

Happiness is a road to travel. It is never a final destination.

So, treasure every moment that you have and treasure it more because you shared it with someone special, special enough to spend your time with.

And remember that time waits for no one.

So, stop waiting for happiness
Until your car or home is paid off,
Until you purchase a new villa or even just a new computer,
Until your kids leave the house,
Until you finish school,
Until you lose 10 pounds,
Until you get married,
Until you get divorced,
Until you have kids,
Until you retire,
Until the summer,
Until the spring,
Until the winter,
Until COVID-19 is over.
Even when some of these experiences may be painful and cruel moments,
Afterall happiness is not when you are not sad.
Happiness is even possible when you are pained but you believe that this pain has meaning and because of it you grow from a lesser to a greater human perfection.

So, work like you don’t need money,
Love like you never have been hurt,
And dance like no one is watching.

Happiness does not lie in being happy,
But in consciously striving for it.

Based on “Happiness is a Journey,” Crystal Boyd.

About the Author
Rabbi Dr. Nathan Lopes Cardozo is the Founder and Dean of the David Cardozo Academy and the Bet Midrash of Avraham Avinu in Jerusalem. A sought-after lecturer on the international stage for both Jewish and non-Jewish audiences, Rabbi Cardozo is the author of 13 books and numerous articles in both English and Hebrew. Rabbi Cardozo heads a Think Tank focused on finding new Halachic and philosophical approaches to dealing with the crisis of religion and identity amongst Jews and the Jewish State of Israel. Hailing from the Netherlands, Rabbi Cardozo is known for his original and often fearlessly controversial insights into Judaism. His ideas are widely debated on an international level on social media, blogs, books and other forums.
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