Growing up is like a continuous lesson in discovering what truly matters. Life teaches us things we never imagined we'd need to know, and these lessons run so deep that the universe ensures we never forget them. But what are these lessons? They come in many forms, each as unique as our own journeys.

When we were kids, everything felt magical and perfect. We played outside in the mud and basked in the sun, blissfully unaware of the world's complexities. We came home to snacks made by Mom and played with Dad. Those moments were pure joy, simple and untainted by the future. We didn't worry about what came next; we simply lived in the now.

As we grew older, we started to believe that the next step would surely be better. I thought high school would be a grand improvement, that using a pen instead of a pencil would make everything feel more significant. But it just brought more pressure. College seemed like the answer—more freedom, bigger books, the promise of becoming someone important. Yet, it fell short of my expectations.

Then came the dream of finding happiness through a degree and a career. I thought trips within the country would be fulfilling, but soon I yearned for trips abroad, believing they would offer the true adventure I was missing. Even as I changed jobs and earned more, the satisfaction I sought felt just out of reach. I wanted to live life fully, to explore new places and experiences, hoping they would rekindle that childlike wonder.

Marriage brought its own set of challenges. Being far from my mom, learning to cook, and managing a household was overwhelming. I wondered if having a child might be the key to deeper happiness. But even then, I wasn't sure. I went to Universal Studios, hoping it would bring back the magic of Disneyland, but it felt different without my dad's shoulders to sit on.

Now, with a home of my own and the freedom to make my own choices, I find myself missing the simple arguments about which side of the bed to sleep on with my sister. It's heartbreaking to realize that despite everything I have, something always feels missing.

I've been chasing not just the happiness I had as a child but also the promise of something even better. I cling to the comfort of old Disney movies and the moments with my family—the trips we took together, the laughter with friends. It's okay to treasure those memories, but it's vital to embrace life as it is today.

Sometimes, I wish time would slow down, even during the hard moments, so I could savor each second. I don't want to look back at 35 and regret not living more fully, not appreciating the present while I had it. Expectations often cloud our vision and steal our joy. The endless pursuit of something better can overshadow the beauty that's right in front of us.

So here's the truth: the deepest happiness isn't found in chasing what's next but in being fully present. Let go of the search for something new and take a moment to truly see and appreciate what you have now. Embrace each day with an open heart and a spirit of gratitude. Become love itself, finding contentment in the simple, everyday moments. Sometimes, the most profound joy comes not from longing for the past or yearning for the future but from loving and cherishing the life you have right in front of you.