“We suffer more in imagination than in reality.” — Seneca
When we let our thoughts drift away from the present, it almost always leads to less happiness.
Ruminating about the past can spark bitterness and regret. Worrying about the future brings fear and anxiety.
If you want to suffer less, anchor your mind in the present. What’s happening now, what’s directly in front of you — this should be the focus of your thoughts.
Concentrating on the present moment frees you from the guilt of past mistakes and the anxiety of an unknown future. It allows you to live more fully and deliberately, appreciating life as it unfolds.
We really do suffer mostly in our imagination, and the biggest culprit is our own willingness to be distracted from the present moment. Try bringing your thoughts back to the here-and-now, where they belong.