"Le bonheur n'est pas une destination c'est une façon de vivre"

The idea here is that happiness isn't something you find at the end of a journey. It's something you incorporate into your daily life. Basically, it’s about finding joy in the little things and not waiting for some big event to make you happy. It’s a mindset.

This concept dates back a long time, though the exact origins are hard to pin down. Philosophers like Aristotle talked about happiness as something we cultivate through our actions and choices. More recently, in our fast-paced, success-driven world, this idea has gained traction as an antidote to the constant chase for more—more money, more success, more everything.

Imagine you’re at work, grinding away at a project that’s due next week. You’re stressed, thinking, "Once I finish this, I'll finally be happy." But then, guess what? Another project lands on your desk. If you're always waiting for the next thing to be happy, you’re never actually happy. What if, instead, you found small things during the day that brought you joy? Maybe it’s grabbing your favorite coffee, taking a five-minute walk outside, or even just chatting with a coworker. These small moments can bring happiness into your everyday life, instead of waiting for some elusive end goal.

So, how do you apply this in your life? Start by paying attention to the little things that make you smile. Keep a journal if that helps. When you focus on the good stuff, however small, you’re training your brain to recognize and appreciate happiness. Also, practice gratitude. It sounds cliché, but it works. Make it a habit to acknowledge what you’re thankful for each day. It shifts your focus from what you lack to what you have.

Let's illustrate this with a story. Think about Jane. She’s a single mom working full-time. Her life is hectic, to say the least. She used to think, "Once the kids are older and I get that promotion, then I’ll be happy." But those milestones were always just out of reach, and she found herself constantly stressed. One day, a friend suggested she try to find joy in her daily routine. Jane started small. She took a few minutes each morning to enjoy her coffee in peace. She made a point to read a bedtime story to her kids every night, savoring those moments. Over time, she realized she felt happier, not because her circumstances drastically changed, but because her mindset did. She wasn’t waiting for happiness; she was living it.

By focusing on the present and finding joy in daily moments, you don't just wait for happiness—you live it. It’s about making a conscious effort to see the beauty in your everyday life. So next time you catch yourself waiting for that next big thing to be happy, pause. Look around. Find something—anything—that brings a smile to your face. Embrace those moments. Because happiness isn’t a far-off place you’ll reach someday; it’s right here, right now, in the little things.