"もし私たちが幸せになろうとするのをやめれば、私たちはかなり良い時間が過ごせるでしょう。"

It’s funny how the quest for happiness can sometimes lead us away from it, right? That’s what the quote is getting at. We often get so caught up in chasing after happiness—setting goals, striving for achievements, and constantly searching for that perfect moment—that we forget to enjoy the present.

Think about it. Have you ever been on a vacation, constantly snapping pictures and planning the next activity, only to realize later that you didn’t actually relax and take in the moment? That’s exactly what this is about. Sometimes, by letting go of the pressure to be happy all the time, we can actually enjoy life more.

Historically, this idea isn't new. Philosophers like Epictetus and Lao Tzu have talked about the pursuit of happiness as something that can paradoxically lead to unhappiness. It's like trying to hold water in your hands—the tighter you squeeze, the more you lose. It’s relevant now more than ever with social media constantly showcasing "perfect" lives. We’re led to believe that we should be perpetually happy, and that’s just not realistic.

Take John, for example. John was always the life of the party in college, always planning the next big thing. He had an awesome job, a great apartment, but he still felt something was missing. He was always planning for the next big promotion or the next vacation. One day, he just stopped. He started to focus on what he had rather than what he wanted. Instead of meticulously planning every detail of his weekends, he started doing things spontaneously—taking walks, hanging out with friends without an agenda. He discovered that he was enjoying his life more without the constant pressure to be “happy.”

So how can you apply this wisdom? First, pause and take stock of what you have right now. Are you constantly chasing after something? Maybe it's time to take a break. Focus on enjoying the moment, even the mundane ones. Try not to over-plan. Be spontaneous. You might find that the small things are actually pretty great.

Imagine you’re at a family gathering. Instead of worrying about whether everyone’s having a good time or if the food is perfect, just sit down and chat with your aunt, play with your nephew, or simply enjoy the food. You’ll find that these genuine, unscripted interactions bring a sense of fulfillment that planning and striving often can’t.

I remember a time when I tried this myself. I was at a concert, and instead of recording every song or worrying about getting the perfect shot for Instagram, I put my phone down and just listened. I felt the music, watched the crowd, and enjoyed the moment. It made a world of difference.

The key takeaway? Let go of the constant pursuit of happiness. Relax. Enjoy the little moments. You might just find that you’re having a pretty good time after all.