The Beauty of Being In the "Now"

Lately, I've been discovering the beauty of being in the "now." What I mean by that is that I'm beginning to feel a peace about exactly where I'm at in life. If I could describe what I'm feeling in one word, it would be "contentment."

Now, I want to clarify what I mean by that. I think that sometimes contentment can be confused with laziness or complacency, but what I mean is quite the contrary. I have goals and aspirations and desires to do great things in the world and I'm taking strides toward their fulfillment, but I don't feel an overwhelming anxiety about their immediate and instantaneous accomplishment. I've spent too much of my life (lots of sleepless nights) stressing about how I would become "successful," or how I would begin to live my passion, and how for me to be happy, I had to make that happen RIGHT NOW. Guys, I'm only 24. Why would I expect that that would all occur right away? It's absolutely ludicrous.

What I'm learning is that happiness comes in the moment, no matter what moment, and that you choose to feel it. I can feel happiness, peace, and purpose as I give a warm smile to a stranger or share a few kind words with a friend. I can fulfill all that I'm meant to fulfill right where I'm at. Beauty is within every moment and circumstance if you look for it. I have a beautiful life, filled with all of the nice conveniences I enjoy, amazing friends who uplift me, and a family that I adore. This is the beauty of life. You don't have to run to and fro, wondering where that special, secret key is that will lead you to happiness. It is found within yourself, within your relationships, and within your connection to God.

I want to end by sharing a quote by William Shakespeare. It reads, “My crown is in my heart, not on my head; not decked with diamonds and Indian stones, nor to be seen: my crown is called content, a crown it is that seldom kings enjoy.” It is so important that we learn the beautiful truth of the "now," for one day, we may look back and realize that what we always sought was always with us, in the eyes of our friends and loved ones and within ourselves, and that we failed to enjoy it to its fullest.

Thanks again for reading, and as always, reach out if you have any thoughts, questions, or feedback! Until next time!