Happiness only ever exists in the here and now. Not in our memory of the past, and most certainly not in our projection of the future. Both are constructs, and while useful in certain circumstances, both hold the power to take us out of this moment—and by extension, take us out of happiness.
Suffering is a choice, even if it doesn’t appear to be so. Tragedy befalls you? Of the seven billion people in the world, hundreds of thousands felt worse pain yesterday, yet you were without serious discomfort. Unexpected news knocks you out of a good mood? Perhaps you’ve spent too much time storing your security and satisfaction in transient things.
Everything ultimately goes to zero, everything goes to dust. Clinging is dying; appreciating right now is all there is. Worry less and live more, and in the end, try to enjoy the ride before it’s over.
“It is important to expect nothing, to take every experience, including the negative ones, as merely steps on the path, and to proceed.”
— Ram Dass