I personally (don't know if therapists would agree) never think in a mindset of "I deserve _____". I prefer to think of ______ as a gift every time.

I guess the best way I can explain it is using a field of weeds analogy. If the world is a field of weeds, the flowers that pop up are even more beautiful in comparison. If the world is a field of flowers, then every flower is generic and a small patch of weeds causes a lot more despair than it should.

Here is an article I think you might find helpful on your journey

http://www.spring.org.uk/2007/09/10-...-happiness.php

Hope that helps .