Happiness often feels like a moving target—something we chase but rarely pause to consider what truly fuels it.

While life’s responsibilities and challenges can sometimes make us put our needs on the back burner, depriving yourself of certain essentials can leave you feeling unfulfilled and stuck.

True happiness isn’t about extravagant vacations or material possessions; it’s about the habits, connections, and priorities that create a meaningful life.

To live fully and joyfully, there are some things you simply shouldn’t compromise on.

Here are eight things you should never deprive yourself of if you want to build a life that genuinely makes you happy.

1. Your individuality

Let’s face it, we’re often our own harshest critics. We sometimes deny ourselves the right to be ourselves because we’re worried about what others might think or say.

But, here’s the thing – You’re unique. There’s only one of you and that’s your power.

Suppressing your true nature, your ideas, your dreams, and even your quirks, is like denying yourself oxygen. It’s necessary for your survival and well-being.

Happiness begins with acceptance – accepting yourself for who you are, warts and all. It’s about celebrating your individuality and not shying away from expressing it.

So, don’t ever deprive yourself of being yourself. Embrace your individuality and let it shine through every aspect of your life. Give yourself the freedom to be unapologetically you.

Because in the end, that’s what brings true happiness – being at peace with who you are.

2. Your passions

Once you’ve embraced your individuality, the next step is to let your passions guide you.

I remember at a point in my life, I was stuck in a job that paid well but left me feeling drained and unfulfilled.

I had this burning desire to write, to share my thoughts and experiences with others. But the fear of uncertainty held me back.

One day, I decided to take the plunge. It was scary, I won’t deny that. Quitting a stable job to chase a dream was risky. But I knew that depriving myself of pursuing my passion was depriving myself of happiness.

And so, I traded stability for uncertainty, comfort for challenges. And let me tell you, it’s the best decision I’ve ever made.

Being passionate about what you do injects joy into your life. It’s like adding color to a blank canvas. Your passions are a part of who you are and denying them is denying a part of yourself.

3. Living in the present moment

Albert Einstein once said, “I never think of the future – it comes soon enough.” This quote has resonated with me deeply and has a profound impact on how I perceive happiness.

We often find ourselves either dwelling in the past or worrying about the future, don’t we? But in doing so, we forget to live in the present moment.

I used to be guilty of this. I was so caught up in planning for the future that I was barely living in the present. I was depriving myself of the joy that each moment held.

Einstein’s quote was a wake-up call for me. It made me realize that while it’s important to learn from our past and plan for our future, it’s equally important to live fully in the present.

Living in the moment allows you to fully experience life as it unfolds. It enables you to appreciate the little things and find joy in them.

So, never deprive yourself of the happiness that comes from living fully in the present moment. After all, now is all we truly have. Embrace it, savor it, and let it contribute to your happiness.

4. Strong relationships

Did you know that according to a 75-year-long Harvard study, good relationships are the key to long-term happiness?

The study found that people who have strong relationships with family, friends, or their community are happier, physically healthier, and live longer.

I’ve seen this in my own life too. When I’m connected with my loved ones, sharing my joys and sorrows with them, I feel a deep sense of happiness and fulfillment.

Relationships give us a sense of belonging. They provide us with emotional support and create an environment where we can be ourselves without any fear of judgment.

But nurturing these relationships requires time and effort. It’s not always easy but it’s definitely worth it.

So, don’t deprive yourself of the happiness that comes from having strong, healthy relationships. Invest in your relationships – they’re worth more than gold in the bank.

5. Your health

Another thing that’s incredibly important for your happiness is your health.

This is so obvious, yet we often overlook our health until it’s too late. We forget that without good health, everything else loses its charm.

I’ve learned this from personal experience. I used to work around the clock, ignoring the signs my body was giving me. Until one day, I fell sick. It was a wake-up call. I realized that I had been taking my health for granted.

Health is not just about avoiding illness. It’s about physical fitness, mental well-being, and emotional stability.

When you’re healthy, you have the energy to do the things you love, spend quality time with your loved ones, and enjoy life to the fullest.

Whatever pressures life may throw at you, don’t forget to take care of your body, your mind, and your soul. It’s the best investment you can make for a happy life.

6. Personal growth

All our experiences, all our passions, relationships, and even our health, lead us to one important aspect of life – personal growth.

Personal growth is like a continuous journey. It’s about learning new things, developing new skills, overcoming challenges, and becoming a better version of yourself.

And this journey is not always smooth. There will be bumps and hurdles. But every challenge you overcome, every lesson you learn, contributes to your growth.

So never deprive yourself of opportunities for personal growth. Keep learning, keep evolving, and keep growing. Because personal growth is a key ingredient for a truly happy life.

7. Your feelings

Your feelings are a core part of who you are, and ignoring or suppressing them can take a serious toll on your happiness.

Whether it’s sadness, anger, or even joy, every emotion you experience deserves to be acknowledged and processed.

When you deprive yourself of expressing your feelings, they often build up, leading to stress, resentment, or even burnout.

Many people hold back their emotions out of fear of judgment or because they don’t want to burden others. But bottling things up only creates a barrier between you and the people who care about you.

Healthy communication of your emotions fosters deeper connections and allows you to process challenges more effectively.

Learning to embrace and express your feelings is a key part of self-love and emotional well-being. It’s not about being overly reactive but about being honest with yourself and those around you.

When you make space for your feelings, you give yourself the freedom to heal, grow, and truly experience life.

8. Moments of fun and spontaneity

Lastly, life can’t be all about structure and responsibility—sometimes, you just need to let loose and embrace the unexpected!

Depriving yourself of fun and spontaneity can lead to burnout and leave you feeling like you’re just going through the motions.

In contrast, moments of unplanned joy bring balance and remind you that life isn’t just about obligations. 

Whether it’s a last-minute road trip, a spontaneous night out with friends, or dancing in your living room for no reason, these moments infuse energy and excitement into your routine. They create memories that stick with you far longer than the items on your to-do list.

Spontaneity also encourages you to live in the moment and let go of the need for control. It’s a reminder that some of the best experiences come from things you didn’t plan.

Fun isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity for your mental and emotional well-being. So, say yes to more of life’s unexpected invitations—you might just find happiness in the unpredictability.

Final thoughts

The key here is to remember that happiness is personal. It’s different for everyone. What works for one person might not work for another. The important thing is to understand what brings you joy and fulfillment.

Life is too short to live on someone else’s terms or to deprive ourselves of what truly matters to us. So start prioritizing these elements in your life, one step at a time.

Reflect on these points. How do they resonate with you? Where can you make small changes? Take this as an opportunity to shape your life in a way that brings you true happiness.