Why Choose Happiness Now?

We often put happiness off in the distance, far, far away, or on a pedestal so high that we feel we will never reach it. But why do we do this? What stops us from believing that happiness is available to us right now?

Sometimes, I think we don’t feel worthy of happiness. Maybe we believe we are not good enough, smart enough, or simply “enough.” We convince ourselves that we need to be more, have more, or do more in order to be happy. You know what I’m talking about—the old “I will be happy when…” game. We set conditions for happiness: I will be happy when I get that job, when I lose weight, when I find the right partner, when I have more money. And so, we continue to delay happiness indefinitely. I know I’ve been guilty of this many times in my life.

It’s like pressing the ‘pause’ button on happiness. You know how you pause a movie or a song so you don’t miss anything while you attend to something else? The difference is, when we pause happiness, we are not putting it on hold temporarily—we are denying ourselves happiness in the present moment. We are telling ourselves, I can’t be happy now. It’s just not possible. And we believe that something outside of us has to change before happiness is allowed in.

But here’s the problem: Life doesn’t pause along with our happiness. Unlike a movie or a song, life continues moving forward. Time keeps ticking. Babies are born, children grow, opportunities come and go. Meanwhile, we are waiting for the “right” conditions to be happy, missing out on precious moments that will never come again. The truth is, life is happening right now. And if we keep pressing that pause button on happiness, we may look back one day and realise we’ve spent years waiting instead of truly living.

On the other hand, some of us try to fast forward to a future where we finally have it all together. We become so focused on what’s ahead that we forget to enjoy what’s happening right now. We think, One day, when I have my dream job, my perfect home, and my finances in order, then I’ll be happy. But happiness doesn’t exist in the future any more than it exists in the past. The only place happiness can ever truly exist is now—in this moment.

Think about it. When you remember a time in the past when you were happy, you are recalling it now. When you dream about how happy you’ll be in the future, you are imagining it now. In both cases, the feeling of happiness is always experienced in the present.

So, why do we continue to chase external things—money, fame, recognition—believing they will make us happy? If these things truly guaranteed happiness, then we would see a lot more happy people in Hollywood. But we don’t. We see wealth and success, yes, but we also see stress, depression, and dissatisfaction. Fame doesn’t guarantee happiness. Money doesn’t buy happiness. And success doesn’t necessarily mean fulfillment.

Yet we still chase after “more.” Why? Because we’ve been conditioned to believe in the myth of more. We think, If I just had more—more money, more love, more success—then I’d be happy. But this way of thinking sets up a dangerous pattern: If happiness depends on having more, then it also means we can’t be happy until we have more. And if we never reach that elusive “more,” we continue to believe happiness is out of reach.

The truth is, choosing happiness now is not about having more—it’s about shifting our perspective. It’s about realising that happiness isn’t something we find out there; it’s something we cultivate within.

So, how do you choose happiness now?

It starts with awareness. Simply recognizing that you can choose happiness in this moment is powerful. You don’t have to wait for perfect conditions. You don’t have to achieve a milestone. You don’t have to be different from who you are right now. Happiness is a choice, and it’s available to you at any time.

The key is intention. When we choose happiness, we become intentional about our thoughts, our emotions, and our focus. We stop waiting for happiness to happen to us, and instead, we take ownership of our inner state. Of course, this doesn’t mean ignoring life’s challenges or pretending everything is perfect. It means choosing to find joy, gratitude, and meaning even in the midst of imperfection.

And yes, this takes practice. We are creatures of habit, and our habitual ways of thinking can be deeply ingrained. But just like any habit, we can train ourselves to think differently. We can shift our focus from what we lack to what we have. We can reframe difficulties as opportunities for growth. We can practice gratitude, mindfulness, and self-compassion. We can decide, over and over again, that happiness is not something we have to wait for—it’s something we can step into, right now.

So, let’s stop pressing pause. Let’s stop waiting. Let’s stop believing the myth that happiness is somewhere in the future, just out of reach.

Happiness is here. Happiness is now. And happiness is yours to choose.

The Power of Words: Unveiling the Deeper Meaning of "Becoming Happy”

Language is more than just a tool for communication; it’s a powerful force that shapes our thoughts, emotions, and realities. Every word we use carries with it a wealth of history, culture, and meaning. However, in our fast-paced lives, we often overlook the profound depths hidden within these words. One such word that holds significant depth is "Becoming."

Unpacking "Becoming"

At first glance, "Becoming" might seem like a simple, everyday word. It’s often used to describe the process of change or growth, like becoming an adult, becoming wiser, or becoming happier. But let's dive deeper into this word to uncover its true essence and how it relates to our journey toward happiness.

BE: The Essence of Being

The word "Becoming" begins with "Be." This small but mighty word invites us to embrace the present moment and our true selves. "Being" is about existing in the here and now, fully aware and fully alive. It’s about recognising that happiness isn’t a distant goal to be achieved but a state of mind that we can access right now.

When we focus on "Being," we shift our attention from what we lack or desire in the future to what we have and can appreciate in the present. This shift in perspective can transform our experience of life. We start to find joy in the simple moments and develop a deeper sense of contentment and fulfillment.

COME: The Journey of Arrival

The second part of the word, "Coming," signifies movement, progress, and arrival. It reminds us that life is a journey, and every step we take brings us closer to our goals and dreams. "Coming" is about embracing the process of growth and transformation, understanding that each moment, each decision, and each experience contributes to our evolution.

When we put "Be" and "Come" together, we get "Becoming"—a beautiful fusion of being present and moving forward. This word encourages us to find happiness in both the present moment and the journey ahead.

The Roots of Language and Happiness

The etymology of words often reveals hidden layers of meaning. "Becoming" originates from the Old English word "becuman," which means "to come to" or "to arrive." This root highlights the idea of reaching a state of being, emphasising that our journey and our destination are intertwined.

In many languages, the words for happiness and well-being are closely linked to concepts of presence and journey. For example, the Greek word "eudaimonia" translates to a state of being happy and prosperous, while the Sanskrit word "ananda" means bliss or joy. These linguistic roots remind us that true happiness is not just about reaching a specific point but about embracing the entire journey.

Embracing "Becoming" for a Happier Life

Understanding the deeper meaning of "Becoming" can transform the way we approach our lives. Here are a few ways to incorporate this wisdom into your daily routine:

1. Practice Mindfulness: Focus on the present moment and appreciate the beauty around you. Whether it’s the warmth of the sun, the sound of laughter, or the taste of your favorite food, find joy in the here and now. Mindfulness helps you cultivate a state of "Being," grounding you in the present and enhancing your overall well-being.
   

2. Embrace Growth: View every challenge and setback as an opportunity for growth. Understand that each experience, no matter how difficult, is a step forward on your journey. Instead of rigidly pursuing specific outcomes, set intentions that guide your actions and mindset, allowing you to adapt and grow with each experience.
   

3. Set Meaningful Intentions: Rather than focusing on fixed goals, set intentions that reflect your core values and desires. This approach allows you to live more authentically and find joy in every step of your path. Setting an intention aligns your actions with your inner purpose, bringing more fulfilment and happiness.
   

4. Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge and celebrate each and every success, no matter how small. Recognise that each step you take brings you closer to your true self and your dreams. By celebrating your wins, you reinforce positive behaviours and maintain motivation, ensuring that your journey remains a source of joy and inspiration.

Conclusion

The word "Becoming" encapsulates a powerful philosophy of life. It invites us to "Be"—to live fully in the present moment—and to "Come"—to embrace the journey of growth and transformation. By understanding and embracing the deeper meaning of this word, we can unlock a more profound sense of happiness and fulfillment. So, let’s all strive to "Be the coming happiness now," and discover the joy that lies within our journey of becoming.

Yours in Happiness,

Karen

That Heavy Feeling …

Do you ever wake up and feel heavy?  I don’t mean weight wise.  It has nothing to do with your actual weight, but it can feel like you have a weight on your shoulders or a sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach, that is weighing you down.  It is not the nicest feeling, but that does not make it a bad feeling.  Feelings are neither good or bad.  They just are.  I like to think of feelings as my body’s communication mechanism.  It is as if our body has its own secret language which sometimes we do not fully understand.  We know something is happening, but we are not sure what or why.

This morning I woke up with such a feeling.  My shoulders felt like someone had placed one of those X-ray aprons on me.  I could feel the weight on my shoulders.  My stomach and pelvic area felt full and weighted.  I had a vivid dream last night and that was also fresh in my mind.  Sigh.  I am processing so many things at the moment.  The river of life is flowing fast and thankfully, I have learnt to be more fully present in each moment.  Being fully present … even as I write this I am aware of my choice of words. Full -y.  Full.  My life is certainly full.  It as if time has been expanded. Being fully present, means I am not looking back and living in the past and it also means I do not have my finger on the pause button of life, waiting for some future event to unfold.  I can and do have a vision for my future, but I am not abandoning my present and building castles in the air that have no foundations on earth.  Sigh.

Another awareness … grounding. Being here.  Being present.  Not running away from what I am feeling.  Not running away from what is happening. Opening pandora’s box and turning to face, front on.  It is only in our groundedness that our actions can take form.  Visions, hopes and dreams are just that, until we ground them.  Images of helium balloons fill my mind.  Our visions, our dreams, our hopes are the helium balloons.  Attaching a string allows us to anchor them, but we still need to hold on to the string or secure the string to something weighted and solid or the balloon will float away.

What if this heavy feeling is a grounding?  A rubber hits the road kind of moment, where all I have been envisioning, intending and holding in my heart is materialising, manifesting, coming into being.  I have never embarked on a so ambitious journey before and got this far.  In the past my dreams or hopes have faded in the cold, harsh reality of sunlight.  But this vision, this dream, has pulled me and called me consistently for so long now, that I can no longer I ignore the call.  It still scares me, but as Lisa Nichols says, If your dream does not scare you, you are not dreaming big enough.  I know I am dreaming big and it scares me.

The question is will I allow fear to grip me and stop my progress?  Even as I type these words, I know the answer forming in my heart.  NO! I can’t do that.  The call and the pull is too strong, too persistent.   I may take a breath or two or even three, to orientate myself and be present with that fear, but it is not taking the steering wheel.  As Lisa says, fear can come along for the ride, but it can sit in the back seat.

That sinking feeling in my gut has vanished.  My shoulders are still weighted down, but I am okay with this feeling.  This is after all a new way of being. Completing things.  Seeing them through to the very end, no matter the size or complexity of the task and sitting in the drivers seat, choosing where to put my energy and attention.  Choosing the direction I am heading.  Sigh.  Another breath.  You can do this.  You know you can.  All your life as brought you to this moment.  Everything you have been through as provided the lessons you have needed to learn, the skills you have needed to master and you have all the tools in your tool belt.  A leap from the lion’s head.  Faith requires action.  Life happens all around you.  It is happening right now.  We can not put things aside to come back and expect the river to be in the same place.  We never step into the the same river twice.  The current is always flowing.  It is always changing. It is always moving.  Are you ready to step into the river and be present with what is here right now?  Are you ready to lean into life?

Yours in Happiness,

Karen

The Power of Intention

Sometimes we drift through life, without giving much thought to what we are doing or where we are going.  We get stuck in a rut, on autopilot.  Every now and then we express a desire for things to be different, but in the rush to get out the door we do not pause to really give it much thought.  It is either too hard to do or quiet simply you do not have time right now.  If you just get through this, then you will have time; then things will be different.

We all know how that ends.  Nothing changes if nothing changes.  But is that really true? Do things stay the same or do we just simply create again the same set of circumstances.  The thought that you create the circumstances in your life may be new to you, but even if you are familiar with concept it is worth revisiting, because speaking from experience, it is easy to fall into bad habits.

So, imagine for a moment you are sitting at your desk or kitchen table.  You have a note book in front of you and a pen.  As you look down at your note book, you smile.  You remember choosing this book out of many designs and styles because you liked it.  You also choose the pen because it felt good to write with.

Now pause for a moment.  Take a breath and let it out slowly.  Take another breath and slowly let it out.  One more time.  Breathe in and slowly breathe out.  Ok when you are ready write the answer to this question.

If I was a great author, how would I tell the story of my day?

Now imagine you could write the script or story of your day, as if it had already happened.  What would you write about?  Would your day run smoothly or would there be drama?  If there was drama, how do you handle it?

What if you choose to write the script or story for the best possible outcome?  You get the idea.

Take a few moments to be intentional right now.  Be that author, pick up your pen and write today’s story.

Yours in Happiness,

Karen