Welcome to The Mindful Life, where I share mindful reflections and exercises to help you build a mindful attitude in your own life for more calm and more perspective.
Dear mindful reader,
When do you think you will finally be happy?
During the Covid years, I had a lot of time on my hands. It's kind of funny…I always thought that I'd love to get paid to do nothing, wake up when I wanted, eat when I wanted and spend every waking minute enjoying my hobbies.
For a long time prior to the Pandemic, I felt lost in my job, like I was living every day the same way, frustrated by the mundane routine of it all.
But when months of nothing came, I felt more lost than ever.
I had endless hours to think and reflect. I thought about the jobs I'd been in, the relationships I'd built and my daily habits.
And I'll be honest - that break in daily momentum was difficult. I questioned my past experiences. I looked in the mirror and wondered how I'd ended up where I was.
I barely recognised myself.
Having that isolated time was fun for a few days, but it eventually became painful.
I realised I'd spent so many years relentlessly wanting more, more money, more space, more happiness, more options.
I realised for the first time in my adult life I'd been on a blind pursuit for tomorrow. If I just obtain a little more tomorrow, I will feel better.
Because more always = happier.
I thought that more money = more happiness. A better car meant I'd be happier. I could go on and on and on…
I noticed clearly that even after I'd reach these kinds of milestones, I would just be focused on the next pay rise. Because once I'd reached a goal, I barely even noticed. I moved on straight away to focusing on the next step because the current goal didn't make me happy once I'd achieved it.
One of the reasons this realisation was so painful was because it made me aware of the fact I'd been ignoring what I already had.
It made me aware that I didn't live in the present moment back then.
I couldn't allow myself to enjoy being where I was, ever.
But Sean back then deserved to be happy, to laugh, to be joyous, even if he didn't have the things he craved.
Because no matter where you are in life, every moment is yours to enjoy.
One day, you may look back on today and wish you were here again to enjoy your current life.
You'll wish you didn't fret so much and just allowed yourself to let things go and smile.
You’ll wish you had just said “Yes” to snuggling up with your partner and watching films all Sunday instead of worrying that you should be hustling.
You'll wish you didn't worry so much and enjoyed laughing at how silly life can be.
You'll wish you had taken a chance on enjoying that day.
Because when all is said and done, if you can allow yourself to smile right now, you can find happiness today, not in some imaginary future.
If you can allow yourself to laugh today and enjoy what's going on in front of you right now, you'll notice you don't always have to strive.
The future will fall into place with a little work and a little patience.
You deserve to be happy today. Intentionally observe the beauty in the little things.
Think back to when you once dreamed of having the things in your life you have now.
Notice how everything is just a moment in time.
Grab hold of this one right now and celebrate it.
Realise that if you choose to be happy with what you have so far and where you are right now, you’ve already reached the goal of happiness.
So, I ask you: when do you think you will be happy? Are there reasons to smile today? If so, focus on them, nurture them and allow yourself to be present with them.
Did you enjoy this post? If so, please consider subscribing for more mindful reflections and exercises!
If you’d like to support my good vibes mission 👇
Download your own mindful flashcards for less than the price of a coffee here. Thank you!
I believe everyone needs to have this realisation as early as possible in their life. Luckily, I'm 20.