“Stress is caused by being ‘here’ but wanting to be ‘there.”‘ -Eckhart Tolle

There will always be the possibility of a tomorrow that could be better than today. Tomorrow you might be more satisfied with your work. Or maybe you’ll be more comfortable financially. Or happier in your relationship.

There’s always going to be a there that sounds like a fantasy–someday when you’ve gotten what you want.

You could easily wrap your whole life around the promise of getting there and tie your emotions to the illusion of getting closer. You could stress out if you don’t think you’re making progress or feel frustrated that you haven’t seen enough results. You could complain to people about feeling stuck and dwell on how much better things would be if only you could get there.

You could do all of that–if you want to choose unhappiness. Because this moment, right now, is your life. And where you are is where you have an opportunity to be happy. Not tomorrow, not where you’ll be then–but right now, in this time and place.

You can fight it and feel stressed or let go and feel peace.

That doesn’t mean you can’t strive for things you want. It just means you’ve realized getting where you want to be doesn’t require you to feel pain where you are.

Dig your heels in and take a deep breath. You are here. Here is your chance to find and experience joy.

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