I’ve discovered that dissatisfaction is a part of human nature. Being content is not innate and despite all that is good in one’s life, our instinct always gravitates towards what is absent. We are often too focused either on what has happened in the past, or what is yet to come. We fail to realize that life unfolds in the present and our future hinges on the ability to pay attention to what is happening right now.

There are times when I find myself a victim of time; lost in thoughts over events that have yet to occur or wondering about all the possibilities that could happen. However, time is an illusion, which means that being controlled by time is somewhat delusional. So why do we let something that doesn’t exist control us?

Unfortunately, we live in a world where time determines our productivity, which in turn defines our values as human beings. And it can be challenging sometimes to let go of time, and to enjoy our existence as we are.

At times we are stuck reliving bittersweet memories again and again in our head. They are often memories filled with bliss that we desperately cling on to. We fill the discontent in our current life with the good occurred in previous times.

We try to run away from our current problems by reminiscing what has gone by. Other times, we are trapped in tender memories that make us feel alone and empty. Reliving the past often hinders our appreciation towards the present.

Sometimes, we are imprisoned by dreams that are yet to come true. We become too busy hoping and wishing for something else. Whether it is wishing for materials, or wishing for a different life, or even wondering how your relationship with someone could’ve ended if you had done things differently.

Discontent leads us to believe that there is always something better out there, and what we have right now is inadequate, insufficient, and lacking.

Society has taught us not to be satisfied with what we have, and this concept is engraved in our minds. True happiness comes from accepting who we are through every part of our journey towards improvement.

Progression and personal development is important, but not at the cost of constant dissatisfaction with ourselves. Being mindful of the present moment can help alleviate stress and boost confidence. When we start to focus and live in the moment, we can learn to be more content.

Whether stuck in the future or in the past; time has the tendency to play mind games, and we have become its victim. Our value as humans is not based on who we were in the past, or what we could be in the future. We must learn to value ourselves for who we are right now.

We are not our thoughts; we are who we are at this exact moment and we need to be completely aware of that. What we are feeling right now is all that is real. The past and future are mere illusions; they don’t really exist.