Photo by Ricky Raina on Unsplash
We often desire things we already possess or chase after goals that are just within reach. Happiness is something most of us seek, but in trying to find it, we often make it conditional, making it harder to enjoy the present.
Learn the the importance of surrendering and feeling joy “now”, not waiting until you achieve your goal like getting a job, house, or book deal. While those achievements had a purpose, they can consume time to be a reality. So instead of waiting for them, you have to wait to feel happy. We can experience the emotions we want in the present moment, independent of what we accomplish.
So, if happiness is already within our reach, why do many of us struggle to feel it? What mental barriers prevent us from experiencing joy now, despite our circumstances?
These blocks could be beliefs and conditioning that make us think we must *earn* happiness through success. Or maybe it’s the fear of feeling joy without reason or doubting whether we deserve it.
As we start to understand that happiness isn’t something far away, but something we can have right now, ask yourself: What are you waiting for to be happy? What conditions are you placing on your joy?
Happiness equals the material gain phenomenon.
When you get the job, it’ll be the house. Get the house, it’ll be the relationship. Get the relationship, it’ll be the vacation. The truth is, that delaying your happiness is a choice, and the conditions we create are just excuses not to be happy now.
Having desires and goals is important for progress and mental well-being, but they aren’t necessary for happiness. Depending on the culture that shaped you, what you value is often influenced by what you’ve been told will make you happy.
We’re often taught by capitalism to seek financial success, by social media to prioritize appearance and influence, and by society to focus on finding the ideal partner and accumulating possessions. But what if happiness isn’t linked to wealth, social standing, or a relationship status? What if happiness is something we can feel, no matter what we achieve?
The real pitfall is believing that happiness can only be attained through a string of achievements. This way of thinking leads to an endless pursuit, where every new success just sets a higher standard for the next goal, perpetually postponing genuine satisfaction.
By moving our focus from happiness based on conditions to happiness that’s unconditional, we can understand that joy isn’t something we earn; it’s a natural feeling that comes from valuing what we already have. It’s about recognizing that the present moment, despite its imperfections, can bring great joy. Letting go of the belief that happiness depends on certain conditions allows us to enjoy it right now, without waiting for the next big achievement.
Once you realize the conditions you've set for happiness, you can begin to break free from those limits. Here are some steps to question those beliefs and replace them with habits that help you focus on the present moment.
"I need to be successful to be happy."
"I can only be happy if others approve of me."
"I need to be perfect to be happy."
Enjoy the present moment and the happiness it brings. You don't need to wait for future success or others' approval to feel joy. The happiness you're looking for is already here, in the small moments of your everyday life.
Appreciate your imperfections and the uniqueness of your journey. Stop chasing after goals and conditions. Celebrate the joy of being true to yourself.
You deserve happiness just as you are. No conditions, no requirements. Just you, right now, embracing life with an open heart and gratitude.
Allow your happiness to be unconditional, radiating through every action, thought, and expression of gratitude. This is your life, your joy, and your moment to experience true, unconditional happiness.