Finding Your Chocolate Croissant

Written by: Staff Therapist Morgan McDaniel, LPC

Take a moment to reflect. At the end of the day, does your mind replay a list of small complaints, or does it linger on the simple joys you experienced? Now… zoom out. How was your week? Did you spend it waiting for this very moment; Cozy in and finally at rest, or did you find genuine satisfaction in the moments as they passed?

If you often find yourself in the first category, wishing for a future moment when everything feels easier, please know you’re not alone. When the present feels challenging or unclear, it’s natural to fantasize about a future where things fall into place. We sidestep dealing with today by fixating on a tomorrow that hasn’t arrived.

But here’s the catch: the future is built by what we do now, not the other way around. You might wonder, what’s so wrong with looking ahead? While our ability to plan and dream is a gift, excessive focus on the future can become a trap. Research shows that constant rumination about what’s to come can fuel anxiety and depression (Miloyan, Pachana, & Suddendorf, 2014). We disconnect from the present which is the very space where our future is being shaped. This can spiral into irrational fears, a sense of dread about events that may never happen, or a whirlwind of "what-ifs."

So, how do we step out of this cycle?

The answer lies in: weaving together mindfulness, gratitude, and gentle discipline. Mindfulness invites us to notice our feelings and surroundings without judgment which anchors us in the here and now. Gratitude helps us tune into what’s already good. Discipline, in this context, is the practice of returning our attention to what matters today when we drift too far into the future. So when you catch yourself leaping forward in time, pause. Look for one thing in the present that brings you a flicker of joy. For me, that’s often a chocolate croissant.

Whether it’s in the quiet of the morning, as an afternoon treat, or after a long day, that simple pleasure brings me back. It grounds me. It’s a tangible reminder that small things can have a big impact, and that joy doesn’t need to be saved for a "better" future. It’s an act of gratitude for the day I’ve been given.

This is where more discipline comes in: gently guiding your thoughts from "I’ll be happy when…" to "What can I appreciate now?" Instead of thinking, "I’ll have more fun when I’m 40," or "I’ll buy that bag when I’ve earned it," ask yourself: What’s stopping me from enjoying something now? What small permission can I grant myself today?

In essence: Why wait to live the life you want? What if tomorrow isn’t promised? Each day offers multiple opportunities for gratitude and joy. You can think of them as bonus chocolate croissants.

So, I’ll ask you: What are your chocolate croissants? What are the small, accessible things that ground you and spark happiness? Maybe it’s the warmth of your morning tea, singing along to your favorite songs in the car, a quick FaceTime with a friend, or yes…a flaky, chocolate-filled pastry.

I encourage you to seek out those "croissants." Collect them. Savor them. Let them remind you that the life you’re building is made of moments, and many of those moments are sweet, if only we allow ourselves to taste them.

~ Morgan