🌟 If It Costs You Your Happiness, It’s Too Expensive 🌟

🌟 If It Costs You Your Happiness, It’s Too Expensive 🌟

This quote by Paulo Coelho has stayed with me for years: “If it costs you your happiness, it’s too expensive.” It’s such a simple truth, yet for many of us, it takes a long time to truly understand it.

As a survivor of human trafficking, this resonates with me on a deeply personal level. For so long, my happiness wasn’t even a consideration. My focus was on survival—getting through each day, trying to make sense of a world that felt cruel and unforgiving. My sense of worth, my joy, and my dreams were stolen, piece by piece, by people who saw me as nothing more than a means to an end.

But here’s what I’ve learned: no matter what has happened, happiness isn’t something you need to earn. It isn’t something you wait for someone else to give you. It’s yours by right. And if something—or someone—is taking it from you, it’s time to ask yourself: Is this worth the cost?

This question became a turning point in my healing. It helped me start to see the value of me. It taught me that any relationship, situation, or commitment that drains my happiness is too expensive. My peace, my joy, my sense of self—these are priceless.

For survivors of human trafficking, this idea can feel revolutionary. We’re often conditioned to put everyone else first, to shrink ourselves, to accept pain as a part of life. But healing begins when we start asking: What makes me happy? What feels good for me? What adds value to my life?

The truth is, reclaiming happiness isn’t selfish. It’s essential. When we choose joy, we show ourselves—and the world—that our worth is non-negotiable.

I share this because I know how hard it can be to let go of things that don’t serve you, especially when you’ve been made to feel powerless for so long. But trust me: you are stronger than you know, and you deserve a life that feels light, free, and full of happiness.

If you’re struggling with this, you’re not alone. In the group support meetings I run for survivors, we talk about what happiness looks like and how to rebuild it on your own terms. These conversations are powerful because they remind us that joy is possible, no matter where we’ve been or what we’ve endured.

So, take a moment today and reflect: What is costing you your happiness? If it feels too expensive, give yourself permission to let it go. Choose you. Choose joy.

From my soul to yours,

Anca ❤️