"El deseo es un contrato que haces contigo mismo para ser infeliz hasta que consigas lo que quieres"

The heart of this idea is pretty straightforward: when you desire something, you're essentially making a deal with yourself that you'll be miserable until you achieve or obtain whatever it is you're longing for. It's kind of like setting yourself up for a bittersweet journey—sweet when you imagine the end goal, but bitter because every moment until you get there is tinged with dissatisfaction.

Let's put this into a bit of context. This quote can probably be traced back to philosophical musings on human nature and happiness. Think about the ancient Stoics, for example. They believed that the more you let your desires control you, the more you're likely to be unhappy. It's a sentiment echoed through time, from the teachings of Buddha to modern self-help gurus. Why? Because desire, by its very nature, is about something you don't have yet. And that gap between where you are and where you want to be? That's where unhappiness brews.

Now, let me give you a real-life example. Imagine a young artist who dreams of having her work displayed in a prestigious gallery. She spends every waking hour thinking about this goal. She shuns social gatherings, works late into the night, and constantly compares herself to artists who have already made it. Her desire is her driving force, but it also becomes a source of constant stress and unhappiness. She believes she'll only be happy once she's achieved her goal.

Years pass, and finally, her work gets exhibited in that dream gallery. The night of the opening, she's over the moon. But guess what? The happiness is fleeting. She starts to think about the next big milestone—maybe a solo exhibition, or an international show—and the cycle begins again. Desire pushes her forward, but it also keeps her perpetually on the edge of dissatisfaction.

So, how do you apply this wisdom in your own life? It’s all about balance. Sure, goals and desires can motivate you, but don't let them be the sole dictators of your happiness. Find joy in the journey, celebrate small victories, and try to be content with where you are, even as you strive for more. It’s easier said than done, but mindfulness practices like meditation can help you stay grounded. Also, periodically check in with yourself: Are your desires making you miserable? If so, it might be time to reassess.

Imagine this scenario: You’re working on a big project at work. You want that promotion so badly—it's all you can think about. You start working longer hours, skipping lunch breaks, and even bringing work home on weekends. Your friends and family notice you're stressed, but you brush it off, thinking it'll all be worth it once you get that shiny new title and pay bump.

But what if, instead, you enjoyed the process more? Maybe you take up a new hobby or commit to having dinner with friends once a week. You find ways to make your current work more enjoyable—perhaps by collaborating with a colleague whose company you enjoy or by setting small, achievable goals that give you a sense of accomplishment. This way, the promotion, when it comes, will be the cherry on top, not the whole sundae.

So, next time you find yourself desiring something intensely, take a step back. Ask yourself if this desire is a contract you’re willing to sign. If it is, great—go for it, but don’t forget to enjoy the ride. If it’s making you unhappy, maybe it’s time to renegotiate the terms with yourself. After all, life’s too short to spend it waiting for the next big thing to make you happy.