Why do I feel like I'm always waiting for my real life to begin?

Feeling like you're always waiting for your real life to begin is a common experience that often reflects deeper beliefs about what constitutes a 'worthy' or 'real' life. This feeling usually stems from the idea that life will start when you achieve certain milestones: the right job, relationship, weight, income, or living situation. It's a form of conditional happiness that keeps you perpetually focused on the future rather than engaging with your present reality. This mindset often develops from cultural messages about success, social media comparisons, or perfectionist tendencies that make your current circumstances feel temporary or insufficient. You might be unconsciously waiting for permission to fully engage with life, believing that you need to have everything figured out before you can truly live. The problem with this thinking is that it treats your current life as a rehearsal rather than the actual performance. Every day you're waiting is a day of your actual life that you're not fully experiencing. This pattern can also reflect Major depressive disorder, Anxiety disorder, or Psychological trauma that makes it difficult to be present or find meaningful life in daily experiences. Sometimes it stems from feeling stuck in circumstances that don't align with your values or goals, making it feel like you're in a holding pattern. Breaking this cycle requires recognizing that your real life is happening right now, even if it doesn't match your ideal vision. Consider what you're waiting for and whether those conditions are realistic, necessary, or within your control. Practice finding finding meaning and engagement in your current circumstances while still working toward goals. Remember that life is not a destination but an ongoing experience that includes both struggle and joy, personal development and setbacks.