“The reason people find it so hard to be happy is that they always see the past better than it was, the present worse than it is, and the future less resolved than it will be.”
Decryption of quote
The reason people find it so hard to be happy is a complex interplay of perception and expectation. We have a tendency to romanticize the past, viewing it through a lens of nostalgia that often distorts reality. Memories become embellished, polished to a shine that obscures any rough edges or painful moments. We hold onto these idealized versions of the past, comparing them to our current reality and finding it lacking.
Similarly, we have a tendency to magnify the difficulties and challenges of the present moment, allowing them to overshadow any moments of joy or contentment. We become fixated on what is going wrong, what is missing, what is not living up to our expectations. This narrow focus blinds us to the beauty and wonder that exists in the here and now, causing us to overlook the blessings that surround us.
And when it comes to the future, we often project our fears and uncertainties onto it, imagining worst-case scenarios and catastrophizing about what lies ahead. We fail to see the potential for growth, change, and transformation that the future holds, instead viewing it as a looming specter of uncertainty and doubt.
But the truth is, happiness lies in embracing the present moment for what it is - imperfect, messy, and full of both challenges and opportunities. It is about letting go of the need to compare our current reality to an idealized past or a hypothetical future, and instead finding joy and contentment in the here and now.
It is about cultivating gratitude for the blessings that surround us, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant they may be. It is about finding beauty in the imperfections, strength in the struggles, and hope in the uncertainties of life.
By shifting our perspective and learning to see the world through a lens of gratitude and acceptance, we can find happiness in the present moment. We can let go of the need to constantly compare ourselves to others, to judge ourselves based on unrealistic standards, and to live in a perpetual state of dissatisfaction.
We can learn to appreciate the beauty and wonder that exists in every moment, to find joy in the simple pleasures of life, and to embrace the challenges and opportunities that come our way with an open heart and a positive mindset. In doing so, we can cultivate a sense of peace, contentment, and fulfillment that transcends the limitations of our past, present, and future.
happiness way-to-be
