The Simple Secret To True Happiness

It is easy to become too focused on the pursuit of happiness, to the detriment of true happiness. For many years, I was constantly setting goals for my ‘future happiness,’ only to eventually realize that I had been missing out on the joy available in the present moment.

I am certainly not alone in this, as I find many of my friends and clients tend to postpone joy and contentment, believing that they will finally be happy once they have achieved milestones, or acquired certain possessions.

Meanwhile, the key to living one’s best life is to fully embrace the present moment. This does not mean that we should stop dreaming of a better future or no longer pursue important personal goals. However, our future hopes and ambitions should not cause us to put our life on hold, nor prevent us from being fully immersed in the now.

If you are also someone with such an intense future-focus, I encourage you to begin living more in the present. You will soon discover a more fulfilling and joyful way of life.

Future-Focused Thinking

The first step is to let go of future-focused thinking. Many of us tend to constantly think about the future, worrying about what lies ahead or longing for future achievements. This mindset deprives us of the beauty and opportunities that exist in the present.

I am reminded of a dear friend who once worked for a national media outlet. When the opportunity came for him to bask in the studio lights as an on-air talent, he refused to accept the promotion, because he had yet to reach his goal weight! Shortly after making this detrimental decision, the network let him go.

To live in the present moment is a miracle. The miracle is not to walk on water. The miracle is to walk on the green earth in the present moment, to appreciate the peace and beauty that are available now ~ Thich Nhat Hanh

Many people fail to see the blessing right in front of their eyes, because they are so overly focused on the future. By letting go of excessive future-focused thinking, we free ourselves from unnecessary stress and worry, so that we can embrace the many joys and blessings of the present moment.

Mindfulness

It is essential to make the effort every day to cultivate mindfulness. Mindfulness is to purposefully focus on being present in the now, without judgment of time, place, or situation. Mindfulness requires that we bring conscious awareness to our thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations in the here and now. By cultivating mindfulness, we develop deep gratitude for the present moment and enhance our ability to truly experience joy, inner peace, and fulfillment.

Finding the joy and beauty in ordinary experiences and everyday moments is vital, as happiness is not solely the product of grand achievements or extraordinary events. We discover a profound sense of happiness in the ordinary when we slow down and start paying more attention to the small pleasures and everyday miracles around us. Sometimes true happiness is as simple as savoring a cup of your favorite herbal tea, enjoying a walk in nature, or spending time with loved ones in the backyard.

Impermanence

Embracing impermanence is also necessary to ensure our inner peace and well-being. One of the reasons we often struggle to live in the present is our fear of impermanence. We try to resist change and cling to the familiar, hoping in vain for permanent stability and everlasting happiness. However, life is subject to daily change, and true wisdom lies in accepting this reality. By embracing impermanence, we begin to fully appreciate the present moment, knowing it is fleeting and precious.

Learn to enjoy every minute of your life. Be happy now. Don’t wait for something outside of yourself to make you happy in the future. Think how really precious is the time you have to spend, whether it’s at work or with your family. Every minute should be enjoyed and savored ~ Earl Nightingale

Living in the present does not mean disregarding the future or neglecting our goals and aspirations. It means creating a balance between the joy of the present and excitedly working towards a meaningful future. By setting intentions and taking action aligned with our values and passions, we can create a fulfilling life journey that embraces both present enjoyment and future achievement.

Learning to live in the present moment is a deeply transformative practice that can bring about profound changes in our lives. By letting go of the habit of postponing happiness and embracing the present, we open ourselves to a world of joy, gratitude, and fulfillment.

So, let us embark on this journey of presence and consciously choose to live fully in each moment, for that is where true happiness resides. Remember, the present moment is a gift, and by living it to the fullest, we can create a lifetime of beautiful memories and experiences.