In our fast-paced, goal-driven world, it’s easy to fall into the trap of constantly striving for the next big thing; whether it’s a new job, a perfect relationship, or the next adventure. We often look ahead, thinking that happiness lies somewhere in the future. We tell ourselves “I’ll be happy when…” or “I’ll love my life once I…” (fill in the blank) and the never-ending cycle ensues. I find myself falling victim to this thought pattern more often than I’d like to admit.
Recently, I was gifted a book (conveniently) titled How to Love the Life You Already Have by Luke Norworthy and while I haven’t even finished the book yet, I feel compelled to share a few of the ideas that have really stuck with me. Perhaps the issue isn’t that we haven’t yet achieved a life worthy of love, but rather that we haven’t done the inner work necessary to appreciate and love the life we already have.
In his book, Norsworthy writes “The most essential life goal isn’t to acquire the desired circumstance; the essential goal is to acquire the character life demands. Life’s true goal isn’t for an easy burden, but for stronger shoulders.”
The premise is simple, yet powerful: life is happening right now, and happiness doesn’t reside solely in future aspirations. Too often, we find ourselves preoccupied with what we lack, when the true beauty of life lies in accepting and appreciating the present. By refocusing our energy on gratitude, self-compassion, and mindfulness, we can find joy in our current circumstances, no matter how imperfect they may seem.
This doesn’t mean settling for mediocrity, but rather accepting that imperfection is part of the human experience. When we stop trying to meet unrealistic standards, we free ourselves to enjoy the process of living rather than waiting for the perfect moment or ideal circumstances.
At the heart of Norsworthy’s message is the importance of relationships. He emphasizes that cultivating deep, meaningful connections with others is one of the most significant ways we can find fulfillment. In a world where we often prioritize individual achievement, it is actually love, friendship, and community that are foundational to living a meaningful life.
For me, this book has served as a gentle reminder that life is fleeting, and the key to happiness is not necessarily found in my outward achievements but in how I choose to engage with my present reality. By loving and appreciating the life I have right now, I open myself up to a deeper sense of fulfillment, peace, and joy. Norsworthy put it best when he expressed that “Loving our life demands that we fight for our life, not as the means to earn a lovable life, but instead as a grateful response to the grace of simply being alive.”
Written by Jessica Young