"We love evermore everything that isn’t, and are always pining for what could never be. "

We often find ourselves yearning for things that aren't real or possible. It's like we're constantly chasing mirages, imagined scenarios that could never actually come true. And yet, the allure is strong—sometimes stronger than our appreciation for the tangible, real things in our lives.

Think about it. How many times have you daydreamed about an alternate reality? Maybe you’re stuck in traffic, and you start imagining a life where you live on a quiet beach, free from the chaos of city life. The waves, the sand, the peace. It feels so perfect in your mind. But here's the kicker—it's just not real. Most of us don't pack our bags and move to the beach. We stay where we are, ever dreaming.

This idea isn't new. In fact, it’s been a part of human nature for centuries. Poets, philosophers, and thinkers have always grappled with our tendency to romanticize the unattainable. It’s almost as if we have an inherent inclination to believe that the grass is always greener on the other side—even if that other side is just a figment of our imagination.

Now, let’s ground this in a real-life example. Picture Sarah, working a nine-to-five job. She spends a lot of her time fantasizing about being a famous artist. She imagines the freedom, the creativity, the adoration. But in reality, Sarah has never picked up a paintbrush. She's so caught up in the dream that she never takes any steps to make it happen. Her love for this imaginary life keeps her from appreciating the good things in her current job and life—her supportive colleagues, her steady income, her weekends off.

So how do we apply this wisdom? Simple: Be present. Love what you have. If you find yourself drifting into the land of "what if," gently remind yourself to come back. Appreciate the now, however imperfect it may be. This doesn't mean you shouldn't dream or set goals, but it does mean you shouldn't let those dreams make you unhappy with your current reality.

Imagine you're in a relationship, and you find yourself daydreaming about a perfect partner who doesn't have any of the little quirks that annoy you about your current one. Every time they leave their socks on the floor, you think about how wonderful it would be if your partner was always tidy. Over time, you might start resenting them for not living up to this imaginary standard, even though they have qualities you loved in the first place. Instead, remember why you're with them, appreciate their good traits, and communicate openly about the things that bother you.

This advice isn’t just about romantic relationships or careers—it’s about life. We need to stop pining for the impossible and start loving what’s in front of us. Sure, the perfect life, partner, or job doesn't exist. But what does exist is the potential for happiness in what we already have. So let's give it a shot. Start small. Next time you catch yourself dreaming about what could never be, take a moment to appreciate what is. You might be surprised at how much beauty you find.