Have you ever caught yourself wondering if you were happier in the past than you are now? Maybe childhood felt carefree, youth seemed full of adventure, or later life brought wisdom. It’s natural to look back with nostalgia. But according to psychology, true happiness isn’t tied to an age—it’s tied to how you think.
And here’s the surprising part: a Spanish psychologist says the happiest stage of life begins the moment you shift your mindset.
Why We Often Look Back to the Past
When asked about the happiest time of their lives, most people instinctively point to the past. Childhood gets praised for its innocence, youth for its intensity, and older age for its calm wisdom. But research shows these phases are far from perfect:
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Childhood also comes with dependence and limits.
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Youth is exciting but often filled with insecurity and anxiety.
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Old age can bring peace, but science doesn’t fully agree on whether it’s the “happiest” time.
So if none of these stages guarantee happiness, where does it really come from?
The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything
Psychologist and author Rafael Santandreu believes the key isn’t in the number of candles on your birthday cake—it’s in the way you see life.
“The best stage of a person’s life is when they start to think in the right way—when they stop complaining and begin appreciating the magical, incredible, even spiritual things around them every day.”
This shift, he explains, has the power to transform life more deeply than any specific age or milestone.
Happiness Is Not About Age—It’s About Attitude
Santandreu emphasizes that real happiness starts when you decide to change how you think. When you practice gratitude with focus and intensity, your mind begins to rewire itself.
That’s when life feels richer, more meaningful, and yes—happier—than childhood or adolescence ever did.
It’s not about waiting for the “right” phase of life to arrive. It’s about creating it, right where you are.
What This Means for You
The message is simple but powerful: you don’t need to chase the past or wait for the future to feel fulfilled. Your best stage of life begins when you:
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Stop comparing yourself to others
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Quit dwelling on what’s missing
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Appreciate the little things happening around you every day
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Train your mind to focus on the positive instead of the negative
A Takeaway Worth Remembering
Happiness isn’t measured in years—it’s measured in perspective. When you choose to think differently, you unlock a new chapter that can be brighter than any you’ve lived before.
As Santandreu sums it up:
“When you start thinking this way, the best stage of your life begins.”
The opportunity is already in your hands—the only question is, will you take it?