Happiness lies in the smallness of the gap between our expectations, and our reality. Now, we could lower our expectations to gain more happiness, but I believe that honing the ability to change our reality is a more enduring way of achieving that. And mindfulness can give you that power.

The ‘When This, Then That’ cycle is a cruel one. When I achieve X, then I'll feel Y. It's always tempting, but only momentarily fulfilling. So how do we break it? We must learn to want what you already have.

Purposeful motivations should be embarked upon because we have decided for ourselves that they are worth the pain and sacrifice of endurance that they will undoubtedly bring, not out of expectation that they will make us happy.