Life often presents a stark dichotomy: the relentless pursuit of ambition and the quiet joy of appreciating the present moment. Society’s relentless push for achievement often overshadows the simple joys and the importance of mindful moments. This article explores the delicate balance between aspiring to achieve something more and cultivating a deep appreciation for the present, arguing that true fulfillment lies in the harmonious interplay of both.

The human spirit is inherently driven. We are wired to seek challenges, to overcome obstacles, and to strive for something beyond our current reality. This ambition fuels innovation, propels progress, and allows us to achieve remarkable feats. Without this innate drive, we might remain stagnant, content with the status quo, and never realize our full potential. The pursuit of ambition, whether it’s mastering a new skill, launching a business, or contributing to a greater cause, provides a sense of purpose, direction, and meaning in our lives. It allows us to leave our mark on the world and create a legacy that extends beyond our own existence.

However, the relentless pursuit of ambition can be a double-edged sword. The constant pressure to achieve, the fear of failure, and the relentless comparison to others can lead to burnout, anxiety, and a profound sense of dissatisfaction. When our lives become solely defined by our accomplishments, we risk neglecting the simple joys that enrich our existence. We forget to savor the taste of a delicious meal, to appreciate the beauty of a sunset, or to connect meaningfully with the people we love. The constant striving can blind us to the beauty and wonder of the present moment, leaving us feeling empty and unfulfilled despite our achievements.

The antidote to this relentless pursuit is mindful appreciation – the conscious act of savoring the present moment, of noticing the small details that often go unnoticed. It’s about taking time to smell the roses, to appreciate the simple pleasures of life, and to cultivate a sense of gratitude for what we have. This practice isn’t about complacency or inaction; it’s about finding a balance between ambition and appreciation, between striving for the future and cherishing the present. It’s about recognizing that true fulfillment comes not just from achieving our goals but also from experiencing the journey, from appreciating the beauty and wonder along the way.

Mindful appreciation can take many forms. It could be taking a walk in nature, listening to your favorite music, spending quality time with loved ones, or simply pausing to appreciate the beauty of a sunrise. It’s about creating space in our lives for these moments of quiet contemplation, for disconnecting from the constant demands of the external world and reconnecting with our inner selves. This practice allows us to cultivate a sense of gratitude, to recognize the abundance in our lives, and to find joy in the simple pleasures that often go unnoticed.

The key lies in integrating these two seemingly opposing forces – ambition and appreciation – into a harmonious whole. It’s not about choosing one over the other but about finding a balance, a rhythm that allows us to pursue our ambitions with passion and purpose while simultaneously cultivating a deep appreciation for the present moment. This balance allows us to experience the joy of achievement without sacrificing the simple pleasures that enrich our lives. It’s about recognizing that the journey is just as important as the destination, that the process of striving is as fulfilling as the achievement itself.

In conclusion, the pursuit of something more is a fundamental aspect of the human experience, driving us towards growth, innovation, and self-actualization. However, a life solely defined by ambition can leave us feeling empty and unfulfilled. By cultivating a deep appreciation for the present moment, by taking time to smell the roses, we can find a balance that enriches our lives, fostering a sense of gratitude, joy, and ultimately, a deeper and more meaningful understanding of ourselves and the world around us. The symphony of life is played on two strings: ambition and appreciation. It’s in the harmonious interplay of both that we find true fulfillment.
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THIS is the lesson we can draw from that gospel episode where people with all kinds of sicknesses went to see Christ for healing. (cfr. Lk 6,12-19) But for us, we should not wait for some serious illness or difficulty to beset us before going to him.

We should go and be with him all the time, both when we feel high, which can be corrupting, and when we feel low, which can be discouraging and depressing. Even in our so-called normal times, when things seem to be just ok, we should all the more feel this need to be with Christ.

We are meant to be with Christ always. Without him, we actually would just be relying on our undependable human estimations and devices which can only go so far. And to be sure, Christ is actually always with us. We should just do our part to acknowledge his presence and constant interventions in our life, and be guided accordingly.

And even in our worst condition when we find ourselves held captive by a serious fault and sin, we should not forget that Christ, who is a Good Shepherd always in search for the lost sheep, is actually doing his best to recover us. We should not make it hard for him to find us. With humility, let us ask for forgiveness which he will readily give and regain our true dignity as a child of God.

This need for Christ is actually impressed in our nature which God created. Yes, believe it or not, we have a natural longing for God, though such longing can be thwarted by a number of reasons.

This is how the Catechism explains this point. “The desire for God is written in the human heart, because man is created by God and for God; and God never ceases to draw man to himself. Only in God will he find the truth and happiness he never stops searching for.” (27)
As to how such natural desire for God can be thwarted, the Catechism says: “But this ‘intimate and vital bond of man to God’ can be forgotten, overlooked, or even explicitly rejected by man. Such attitudes can have different causes: revolt against evil in the world; religious ignorance or indifference; the cares and riches of this world; the scandal of bad example on the part of believers; currents of thought hostile to religion; finally, that attitude of sinful man which makes him hide from God out of fear and flee his call.” (29)
We have to see to it that this natural longing for God is always protected, developed and pursued all the way to its last consequences. We should always feel the necessity for God, an abiding hunger and thirst for God.

We have to realize that we need him always, that we need to refer everything that we are, that we have, that we do—from our most private and hidden thoughts, desires, intentions to our most overt and big actions—to him.

We need to realize that everything has to begin and end with him. He should be the inspiration and the purpose, as well as the pattern and the way from the start to the end of things. He is the very author of everything in reality, the creator of the nature of each creature, be it living or inert, etc.

We need to see to it that we develop a real hunger and thirst for God to such an extent that we would really feel the corresponding urges. Our yearning for God should not just be a spiritual or intellectual affair.