I was once told that we trade our freedom for preference and I have never been able to see the world the same way again.

Reflect on our beginnings. We entered this world devoid of expectations and attachments, free in the truest sense. Our early days were spent savoring life's simplicity and expressing needs without reservation. However, as we matured, society introduced us to the concept of preferences. We were conditioned to believe that these preferences are synonymous with happiness.

But there's a hidden consequence to this conditioning. Our ability to relish each moment gradually shifted to an anticipation of the next, where we could indulge in our preferences. Over time, our affection for these preferences grew, eclipsing our appreciation for anything that didn't align with them.

This shift wasn't limited to external things; it permeated our self-perception. We began to base our happiness on meeting certain standards – a specific appearance, behavior, or material possession. This conditional self-love created a paradigm where failing to meet these standards equated to a lack of happiness. This mindset extended to how we perceived others.

Consider the implications when our happiness relies on others meeting our preferences. What if they change, no longer aligning with our expectations? Our affection for them often hinges on potential rather than reality, failing to appreciate them for who they truly are. Even when we commit to something or someone, it's often done with the hope that it aligns with our future preferences, not for the current joy it brings.

Many of us fixate on a future moment, believing it will bring ultimate fulfillment – be it a milestone anniversary, retirement, or watching grandchildren grow. We may set personal goals, deferring change until a future date, hoping then to achieve our ideal selves.

However, when our hope for a brighter future is tethered to these preferences, we become enamored with an elusive euphoria. We plan, dream, and prepare for what is to come, but paradoxically, we never seem to reach these aspirations. Happiness remains just out of grasp, leading us to wonder if just a little more effort, a little more time, or a little more change in ourselves will lead to contentment. The reality is, unless we embrace and love ourselves as we are now, satisfaction will always be a distant dream. Our fixation is not with the situation or person but with the notion of something better.

Today, I invite you to introspect. Why can't you love yourself unconditionally right now? What do you believe is missing that prevents you from living your dream life?

In my experience, embracing unconditional love has enabled me to value experiences over preferences. I've learned to cherish every moment for what it brings, not for what it could lead to. My commitments are choices made out of desire, not obligation. My pursuit of health and wellbeing stems from a place of self-love, aspiring to fully enjoy life's journey.

We've been conditioned to believe that preference outweighs freedom, lulling us into a dream of a better future. But the truth is, there is no time more precious than the present. It's time to awaken and recognize the perfection of the here and now, waiting to be embraced and celebrated.

This realization invites us to rediscover our inherent freedom, to live a life not dictated by preferences, but enriched by the beauty and spontaneity of each moment. I hope you wake up.