I recently had a conversation with a loved one about life, success and what it all meant. As someone well into their thirties, I know I don’t have it all figured out. But I do know I’ve got some nuggets of wisdom worth sharing, starting with my favorite piece of advice to reflect upon: Life isn’t linear.

Life is a wild, unpredictable, beautiful mess that can often feel like a rollercoaster ride. And you know what? That’s okay! It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing our own journey to someone else’s and feeling like we’re falling behind or not measuring up. But the truth is, comparison is the thief of joy. Instead of focusing on what others are doing or where they are in life, we should shift our attention inward and embrace our own unique path.

How can we learn to be present and happy in the now, regardless of where we are on our journey?

Here are five ways to help you be present, and a little happier:

1. Practice gratitude: Take a moment each day to reflect on the things you are grateful for. Whether it’s a little extra pocket change in your wallet, a compliment from a stranger, or a bit of good news, expressing gratitude can shift your perspective and help you appreciate the little things in life.
2. Embrace imperfection: Social media is aesthetic and makes life look perfect, but it’s not. Life is messy, and that’s what makes it beautiful. Instead of striving for perfection, learn to embrace your flaws and imperfections. They are what make you unique and human.
3. Focus on the present moment: It’s easy to get caught up in thoughts about the past or worries about the future. But when you learn to focus on the present moment, you can truly immerse yourself in the here and now. Take a deep breath, look around you, and appreciate the beauty of the moment.
4. Let go of expectations: This is my best tip for living freely and optimizing your happiness. We often have expectations about how our lives should unfold or where we should be at a certain age. But these expectations can hold us back and prevent us from fully experiencing the present. Let go of these expectations and embrace the uncertainty of life. In my twenties I didn’t plan things as heavy as I do now. I went with the flow with everything. And guess what? It all worked out. Some of my best moments came from taking a chance and not overthinking things.
5. Practice self-care: Taking care of yourself is essential for living a happy and fulfilling life. Whether it’s spending time in nature, practicing mindfulness, or indulging in a hobby, make time for activities that nourish your mind, and light your soul on fire.

Ultimately, life is not a race or a competition. There is no right or wrong way to navigate things. Instead of comparing yourself to others and feeling like you’re falling behind, embrace where you are now. You deserve to live a life that brings you joy and fulfillment, and you’ll never have that if you only focus on what you don’t have and where you aren’t.