Make every moment a sunset

I recognize this title may come across as overly sentimental or even cliché, yet clichés often hold a kernel of truth. Deep down, we yearn for that carefree joy reminiscent of childhood, that simple happiness reflected in our pets' joyous greetings upon our return home. We seek to be immersed in the present rather than anchored to the past or preoccupied with the future.

We aspire to experience the sublime.

The sublime transcends ordinary beauty; it evokes an awe that words often fail to capture. German Romantic artists, including Caspar David Friedrich, aimed to convey this feeling through their works, responding to an era dominated by rational thought. While not as widely recognized as the “Mona Lisa,” Friedrich's “Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog” exemplifies this pursuit of the extraordinary.

Consider the moments that inspire awe—gazing at towering mountains, standing before the vast ocean, or watching a breathtaking sunset. These experiences awaken deep emotions and invite us to appreciate the beauty around us.

The goal is to infuse every moment with the same wonder as a sunset. Whether it’s appreciating the texture of your jeans or admiring the intricate details of your shoes, transforming the mundane into the extraordinary is key to finding true happiness.

And what makes a sunset so captivating? Its fleeting nature mirrors the present moment.

Don't wait for approval

I spent too long awaiting someone to grant me permission to be happy. This mindset kept me trapped in the past and fearful of the future, denying myself the opportunity to enjoy the present.

Countless individuals forfeit their happiness each day, waiting for external validation to embrace the now. They remain entrapped in their thoughts, hoping for rescue from their discontent.

Here's the hard truth: you must take charge of your happiness right now. Are you truly engaging with your loved ones, or are you distracted by your next task? Are you savoring your meal, or merely consuming it while your mind wanders elsewhere?

The second hard truth: most people are too preoccupied with their own challenges to notice your struggles. Thus, it is imperative to anchor yourself in the present and acknowledge your tendency to drift away.

You hold the power to shape your own happiness. By remaining disengaged from the present, you relinquish control to external factors—the past and the future.

Remembering vs Experiencing

Renowned psychologist Daniel Kahneman distinguishes between the Remembering Self and the Experiencing Self. The Remembering Self evaluates your past experiences and happiness, influencing your sense of meaning and satisfaction. When you feel unfulfilled, it's common to seek solace in external sources—religion, culture, or ideologies.

Conversely, the Experiencing Self lives fully in the moment. It documents your life's chapters and experiences, whereas the Remembering Self often overshadows it.

Most likely, many of you grant the Remembering Self excessive influence, constantly revisiting past experiences instead of immersing yourselves in the present.

The Experiencing Self, however, thrives in the here and now, fully engaged and committed. This engagement brings vibrancy and richness to life.

Embracing your Experiencing Self allows you to savor the present, leading to profound and rewarding experiences.

The Essence

Do not sacrifice your present for the sake of chasing the future or clinging to the past; these pursuits often leave you feeling empty and regretful.

Transform every moment into a sunset. Elevate the ordinary into something beautiful, as the quality of our lives is shaped by the meaning we attribute to the little things.

Avoid waiting for permission. The most fulfilling way to stay present is to acknowledge your experience and welcome it. Engage fully with the current moment rather than constantly reviewing or anticipating what is to come.

Practice being present in your life now. Focus on what is happening in this moment, letting go of future worries and past regrets.

Thank you for dedicating your time to read this article. I invest significant effort into crafting each piece to ensure that readers like you gain valuable insights. If you're interested in exploring more ways to transform your life and mindset, feel free to check out my other writings.

Cheers!