Beyond Yesterday and Tomorrow: Finding Happiness in the Present Moment

In a world that is obsessed with productivity, growth, and the relentless pursuit of more, we get swept away by two unknown companions: regrets of our past and the anxieties of our future. It is in this present moment—that very fugitive breath—where the opportunity for true happiness quietly lies. It's hard to feel that where we are and what we have at this very moment might just hold the key to that peace we're incessantly searching for.

The Illusion of a Perfect Past and a Certain Future

The past has this incredible knack for staying with us, always lurking somewhere in the recesses of our memory if not somewhere more sinister, like that shadow from which we cannot run. Guilt can consume us whether it is that mistake we wish we hadn't made or that opportunity we feel we have let slip by. We replay scenarios over and over in our minds, seeking to rewrite history and find ourselves trapped in "if only" thinking. The future is a jigsaw puzzle we try to fit together before the pieces are all known. We worry over what hasn't happened yet; weighed down by the weight of uncertainty, fearing we aren't prepared for whatever is coming our way.

Yet neither the past nor the future is in our control. The past has already happened, and no amount of mental energy can alter it. No matter how much we may plan, the future remains a mystery and is thus unpredictable. And yet, we allow these two forces to govern our present and we are robbed of joy that could be found right now.

Happiness in the Present: A Subtle but Powerful Truth

The act of accepting where we are and what we have at this instant is inherently imbued with a quiet power. It does not mean that we have given up on growth or that we are settling, but rather that we recognize the beauty in the now: small yet meaningful victories, relationships we often take for granted, and simple pleasures of life easily overlooked.

It isn't something we have to pursue; happiness is something we can genuinely create. It's not about just waiting for everything to be perfect because perfection does not exist. It's in finding love in imperfection; through every tumble, one learns something, and the warmth of being right there in everyday life. When we stop and live the moment—sipping into our warm cup of coffee, sharing a joke with a friend, or simply breathing deeply—we remind ourselves that we don't have to wait for happiness; it is already here.

Not Living in the Past While Learning from It

There isn't anything intrinsically bad about the past. It is inherently an era filled with valuable lessons and experiences that make up the evolution of who we really are. Yet, we need to learn from the past without living therein. Forgive ourselves for doing all those stupid mistakes that we did when we did not know better, and for the fact that each misstep taught us something essential. We can choose to carry these lessons lightly instead of carrying around the weight of guilt with what's gone by, and let them inform our actions in the now without being dictators of happiness.

Preparing for the future—without fearing it.

A part of life is planning for the future. We have aspirations, ambitions, and visions to guide us. Yet we fall into the "I will be happy when.. ." trap—when I get that promotion, when I save enough money, when I find the right partner—when we let desires about the future overshadow present joys. Happiness becomes a destination, always just a little beyond what we can reach.

What if we saw things from a different angle? What if, instead of waiting for happiness, we chose to find it in the journey itself? The future is unknown. But the unknown can be full of possibilities. It doesn't necessarily have to be feared. To know that we are capable of handling anything life throws our way frees us from that anxiety. We begin to realize that life is an unfolding journey of adventure, each day worth living, every moment worth embracing.

Choice to Be Present: The Key to Being Human

The journey from human being to being human rests in our ability to be present—to live in the now fully. It's shifting our focus from what we have lost or what we fear we may never gain to appreciation for what we have and who we are in this moment. It is choosing to slow down consciously, breathe deep, and notice small miracles surrounding us daily.

Being human is to be vulnerable; it is accepting unknown flaws and imperfections in life and yet choosing happiness in spite of it. It's allowing oneself to realize that our worth isn't defined by our past mistakes or future successes, but rather in the love, kindness, and presence we bring into our daily lives.

As you live out this week, I'd like to invite you to take a minute to reflect. Let the weight of yesterday's regrets be free, and let the burden of tomorrow's worries go. Look around you and ask, "What am I grateful for right now?" What kind of joy can be found in this moment—no matter the size, no matter how short?

After all, happiness is not something far off in the future. It is right here, right now, waiting for you to simply wake up and take notice. All you need to do is make the right choice: be present, be happy, and, so with that choice, you begin the real journey from being just human to being truly human.

Thanks & Regards Vishwanathan Ramchandran( V !Ram)