Why Living in the Present is the Key to Happiness
Imagine a tranquil life free from worry about the past or the future. In this existence, you would be able to live in the now and be present — all the time, every day. This kind of peace is within your reach.
Learning to be more mindful and live in the moment is not only a healthy practice. In fact, it may be one of the keys to living a fulfilled life, according to Business Insider. One grandmother’s philosophy of living in the present has even inspired her granddaughter to stop worrying about the future and enjoy life.
A Grandmother’s Secret to Fulfillment
For Reva, an 88-year-old grandmother, the secret to a fulfilled life is to “just live in the moment,” she tells her granddaughter, who recounts her story in Business Insider. The mantra has defined her life with Reva marrying a man she met through a letter because she had “nothing to lose,” which led to a 65-year marriage. She’s embraced a “try it out” mindset, and moved between jobs, staying in ones where she had fun.
After the death of her husband later in life, Reva maintained a vibrant social life with weekly game nights with friends, family dinners on Friday nights, and activities including summer book clubs.
Her way of life, filled with joy in the present, has been an inspiration for her granddaughter Emma to live in the present and make peace with uncertainties in the future. After taking her grandmother’s advice, Emma realized she no longer needs to know what to do when she grows up — just what she wants to do tomorrow. This mindset has led her to be happy today, and excited for what’s to come.
Be Grateful for What You Have
There’s more to being present and enjoying the good moments — practicing gratitude is one of the most effective ways to stay grounded in the now, according to Verywell Mind. Rather than dwelling on the past or the future, appreciate what you have today. A simple way to do this is by writing down at least three things you are grateful for in the present.
Embrace the Present for Your Well-being
Being truly present doesn’t only boost happiness, but it can also benefit your overall well-being, the BBC reports. Living in the moment can significantly reduce stress. When you are fully engaged with what’s happening right now, you become less distracted from external influences and it can become easier to be fully immersed in what’s around you.
Research backs this up. A study published in the British Journal of Health Psychology revealed that practicing mindfulness for 30 days can help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. While being present does take practice, the encouraging news is that even small consistent efforts can make a big impact in your life.
The beauty of being present is its simplicity. You don’t need any equipment or to go anywhere. It can begin right here, right now. Whether it’s through breathing deeply, feeling your feet on the ground, or noticing your surroundings are small ways you can anchor yourself to this moment.
The act of presence doesn’t mean becoming less goal-oriented or less proactive about your life. It simply means finding joy in what is — in what you have and where you are. Gratitude, mindfulness, and presence are not just practices; they’re choices you can return to again and again. So live fully in the present and enjoy it.
