Why You Aren’t Enjoying Life to the Fullest

Summary

The article reflects on the irony of desiring adulthood for its freedom only to realize that the simplicity and carefree nature of childhood is what truly brings joy and that true enjoyment of life comes from living in the present.

Abstract

The author of the article shares a personal epiphany about the nature of enjoying life. As a child, the author envied adults for their freedom, but as an adult, they feel more constrained by the complexities of life. The article emphasizes that the present moment is the only true reality we have, as the past is unchangeable and the future is uncertain. It suggests that by focusing too much on past regrets or future worries, we miss out on the peace and contentment that comes from embracing the present. The author resolves to turn 23 with a newfound acceptance of the present, seeking peace and excitement in the now.

Opinions

Adults often envy the simplicity of childhood, where daily needs and decisions are taken care of without effort.
The pursuit of freedom in adulthood can lead to a sense of being trapped by life's complexities.
The concept of time is misleading; the past and future are illusions, and the present is the only tangible reality.
Living in the past can lead to depression, while anxiety stems from living in the future.
Peace is found by living in the present, a philosophy encapsulated in a quote by Lao Tzu.
The author expresses a commitment to embracing the present with contentment, peace, and excitement as they approach their 23rd birthday.

A short epiphany

I used to be envious of adults; I was jealous of their freedom. I focused so much on becoming an adult, I ignored the one thing adults envy in children: simplicity. You were introduced to life with little to no control of it. This meant everything was done for you. The color of your shirt, what you eat, and whatever you needed was prepared for you without any effort coming from you.

Now as a 22-year-old adult, I got the one thing I’ve always wanted — freedom. Ironically, I feel more trapped than ever. You spend your whole life in a labyrinth, missing the past and being scared for the future. You start to become delusional either living in the past or preparing for your future, neglecting the most important aspect of life; the present.

Time is a very misleading word. There is no past and there is no future. All there ever is, is now. We gain experience from the past, but cannot relive it; we hope for the future, but cannot guarantee it. We glorify the illusion of time in which the present feels like nothing but the strings that tie the past to the future. Our life is lived entirely in memory and expectation, never realizing that the only reality is now.

“If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present.” — Lao Tzu

As I turn 23 in the next two weeks, I will accept my present with contentment, peace, and excitement.