True Happiness is to Enjoy the Present

Written and narrated by Leigh Martinuzzi

“True happiness is to enjoy the present, without anxious dependence upon the future, not to amuse ourselves with either hopes or fears but to rest satisfied with what we have, which is sufficient, for he that is so wants nothing. The greatest blessings of mankind are within us and within our reach. A wise man is content with his lot, whatever it may be, without wishing for what he has not.” Seneca.

A little piece of Stoic wisdom and as relevant in today’s world as it was a couple of thousand years ago. I feel the word ‘gratitude’ summarises this philosophical piece of advice by Seneca very well. Gratitude, taken from the Latin word gratus, meaning ‘pleasing or thankful’ is a feeling of appreciation that is highlighted by a positive response by the receiver towards the giver. And for everything we are and everything we have in life, it has been given to us and for that reason, it pays to be thankful.

“A wise man is content with his lot.” Regardless of what we have one could argue that it is better than having nothing at all. A good reason to be content with our lot instead of wallowing with what is not. Wishing for what we don’t have, becoming attached to and anxiously dependent upon desires, future dreams and expectations may only bring with it more suffering. It removes us from the present and the present is all we have. Showing gratitude for what we have now, satisfied and wanting nothing is a better way to journey forward than living with constant dissatisfaction over what is not.

It is not always easy in practice, not to desire, not to dream, not to wish for a better future for oneself and the rest of the world. I believe we should go on dreaming. Ambitiously striving forward to improve ourselves and all that is around us. That is progression and progress is beautiful. It is when we live attached to a future, attached to hopes and fears, giving little thanks to all that we have been given that one’s life can become sufferable.

When we are grateful for all that we have, showing thanks and appreciation every day, we attract into our lives more joy, more love, and more of all that makes life great. Those who are content with their lot, knowing that all they have right now is sufficient are happier and enabled to progressively move forward attracting more of what they wish for into their life, without attachment or expectation.

Further Reading and Resources 

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Psychology Today: Psychology Today is devoted exclusively to everybody’s favourite subject – Ourselves

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Elite Daily: The Voice of Generation Y

Four Hour Work Week: How to escape the 9-5, live anywhere and join the new rich.

The Minimalists: How to pursue a minimalist lifestyle and be happier.

Mind Hacks: Tips and Tricks for Using Your Brain

Rich Roll: Plantpowered Wellness Advocate

The Art of Charm: Build confidence, feel comfortable and networking differently.

American Psychological Association: The largest scientific and professional organization of psychologists in the United State

The Art of Manliness: Encouraging men to be better husbands, fathers, brothers, citizens.

Tiny Buddha: Simple wisdom for complex lives.

Brain Pickings: An inventory of cross-disciplinary interestingness, spanning art, science, design, history, philosophy, and more.

Mind Body Green: Lifestyle media brand dedicated to inspiring you to live your best life.

Zen Habits: Find simplicity and mindfulness in life.

Creative NonFiction: “true stories well told.” 

Addicted 2 Success: Motivation & Inspiration Website full of quotes and inspiring articles for entrepreneurs.

Barking Up the Wrong Tree: science-based answers and expert insight on how to be awesome at life.

The Positivity Blog: Practical articles on happiness, self-esteem, productivity and social skills.