"Many of us think that happiness is not possible in the present moment. Most of us believe that there are a few more conditions that need to be met before we can be happy. This is why we are sucked into the future and are not capable of being present in the here and now. This is why we step over many of the wonders of life... we cannot be in the present moment where there is healing, transformation, and joy." -Thich Nhat Hanh.

I've talked about the significance of living in the now a couple of times now, but I want to ingrain it into the way people live.

When I find myself drifting off into thinking about the future and all of the choices I could be making to better myself, I don't realize I'm taking away my own happiness. Adding such pressure on myself makes me question where I'm at in life instead of just enjoying it.

The pressure isn't necessary; it's just robbing me of my freedom to just be so I have to remind myself to just be.

By constantly aiming to achieve goals to attain gratification, I'm not actually getting the genuine fulfillment I would get if I were to just take in the simplicity of my surroundings. Being mindful has done wonders for me and for others as well, as it's been studied heavily within the religion of Buddhism.

I noticed that I feel the weight of anxiety in the pit of my stomach more when I'm not thinking too much into the future or replaying bits of the past. When I just accept that true joy is found by just living in the present moment, I get more out of life. I feel less anxious about things, and I'm more gracious towards the thought of the unexpected.

Before my spiritual transformation that I won't get into, I used to base my happiness around the concept of achieving goals pertaining to my career field. I got so caught up in the illusion of a future, and the illusion of fear started to emerge, causing my ego to take full control of my actions and choices.

A couple of months ago during a meditation, I heard the words, "You mustn't seek. You should just understand," and that resonated with me.

After letting my ego go, and by basing my happiness around love and doing the things I want to do, and by being mindful, life has become more zesty and memorable. Decision-making has become less of a daunting task, and I haven't felt as detached from the world as I used to when I used to wear my nerves around.

By simply doing and being, rather than chasing, all of the illusions have faded.

All the answers we will ever need is in the direction of love. Live outside of your mind and in your heart.