How I Learned to Be Happy: Past, Present, Future

When dealing with the unknown of the future and harsh realities of the past, how are we able to obtain true happiness today? I used to spend countless hours being envious of the world around me. Everyone seemed to have more of everything that I wanted: money, love, good physical health, a house, a family -- you name it, someone else had it, and I wanted it. I spent so much time in everyone else's life that I didn't realize mine was passing me by, but not in a bad sense; I simply wasn't appreciating and enjoying everything that was happening around me. Instead of living in the moment, my thoughts were consumed by plans for my future and whether or not I would make something of myself or my life. The reality is that focusing on the future prevents us from truly enjoying today. In a similar vein, the events of our past can also act as a roadblock to appreciating our present. I grew up in your typical '80s family. I had divorced parents, which meant scheduled visitations and alternating weekends with each parent was the norm. I had a terrible relationship with my father resulting in significant verbal and emotional abuse. I was the child left behind on vacations, left in parking lots because of fights with my father, and the list went on. The abuse had a significant impact on my own views and perspective of the world. My mother was my personal cheerleader. She likely overcompensated for his inability to be the parent he needed to be, and I am grateful for that every day! ...
Source: Healthy Living - The Huffington Post - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news