Tomorrow, you will be a day older than today, and one day closer to your last. That’s not meant to scare, but to remind: what you have today may not remain tomorrow. Friends may move away, children might relocate for their careers, and parents may no longer be around.
So, let’s live fully. Few points which can be helpful in this regard are mentioned below:
1. Live in the present
We live and die in the present moment. As someone said, “To worry, you must leave the present and enter the past or future.”
Managing the present is the only thing we truly can manage. It’s simple in theory but requires mindfulness and practice. Stop postponing joy. Live now.
2. Build quality relationships
A lifelong Harvard study found that people with close, meaningful relationships live longer and happier lives. Love and connection improve our health, emotional stability, and sense of belonging.
But we must first learn to love ourselves to form deep bonds with others. As lyricist Javed Akhtar once said, “The best friendships are often made in the early part of life.” If that hasn’t happened yet, don’t worry, start now.
3. Have a purpose beyond yourself
Accumulating wealth is fine, but giving back brings a deeper kind of joy. Whether it’s donating to an orphanage, planting trees, or feeding animals, doing something meaningful for others not only makes us feel good, but also connects us with kindred spirits.
4. Practice gratitude
We often overlook the blessings in our lives. Start small: be thankful for clean water, a warm cup of tea, a comfortable bed, or simply a safe home to return to.
Napoleon, despite all his power, once said he hadn’t been happy for even seven days. In contrast, Helen Keller, blind and deaf from birth, described her life as a blessing.
Gratitude is not about what we have, it’s about what we notice.
5. Take Care of Your Health
Physical health and happiness are closely linked. Whether it’s yoga, walking, hitting the gym, or playing a sport, find what works for you and make it a part of your routine. Healthy movement keeps both the body and the mind young.
6. Accept Yourself and Your Life
Don’t try to become someone else. Constantly chasing other people’s standards creates unease and comparison. Accept yourself fully, your strengths, flaws, and unique path.
And while doing so, always remember: never hurt others intentionally. Kindness is a reflection of true strength.
7. Create Memories and Play with Children
If a child invites you to play, never say no. These invitations won’t last forever. Children grow up fast, and time moves on.
Make memories, plan trips, celebrate birthdays, go for simple walks. These moments stay with us long after the big things fade.
8. Invest Wisely, Don’t Live to Impress
Many people spend enormous amounts of money on homes, vehicles, or weddings to impress others. This leads to EMIs, stress, and delayed retirement.
Remember: the people you try to impress won’t pay your EMI, and those impressed by your status aren’t worth impressing in the first place.
Live simply. Invest thoughtfully. Free up your time for family, hobbies, and peace.
9. Keep Learning
Stay curious. Learn new skills related to health, fitness, finance, and relationships. New studies are constantly reshaping our understanding. As the philosopher Seneca said: “As long as you live, keep learning how to live.”
10. Forgive and Let Go
Life is short. Don’t waste it holding grudges. Forgiveness isn’t about others, it’s about freeing your own heart.
This doesn’t mean letting people take advantage of you. It simply means choosing kindness so you can sleep peacefully and live lightly.
In her beautiful book “The Top Five Regrets of the Dying,” palliative care nurse Bronnie Ware writes that many people regret not choosing happiness earlier in life.
So why wait?
Choose happiness.
Live a life filled with love, purpose, gratitude, and peace. Because happiness is not found—it’s practiced.
