This post is part of the Keys to Happiness Series. The keys to happiness are courage, generosity, connection, clarity, presence, non-attachment, and gratitude.

In the world of personal development, it may seem completely absurd to mention non-attachment as a key to happiness. However, in the world of spiritual development it makes perfect sense. The good news is: It doesn’t have to be either/or.

You can have your goals and achieve them without clutching them in a vice grip. In the process of enjoying your journey to success, you manifest coincidences that land you easily and joyously at your desired destination. I’ve heard it best expressed in the book Ask and It Is Given by Esther and Jerry Hicks.

…Become one who is happy with that which you are and with that which you have - while at the same time being eager for more. That is the optimal creative vantage point. To stand on the brink of what is coming, feeling eager, optimistic anticipation - with no feeling of impatience, doubt, or unworthiness hindering the receiving of it…

– Ask and It is Given, Chapter 4

Non-attachment should not be confused with non-action or the lack of goals. It simply means that while you will have goals, ideas for what you want your life and the world to look like, you don’t hold onto those ideas while you miss the experience of your life and the world in the present moment. For it is in the present moment that you make the choices that will shape your future.

In Spirit,
Nneka