Today I caught myself overthinking the future, stressed that I’m not where I want to be or don’t have it all planned out. Then I had a terrifying thought: what If once I get there, I’m still not fulfilled?

I had to stop and remind myself that no matter what lies ahead, I will find joy.

Why? Because although I may not know what exactly my future holds, I know that us human beings were given a special gift: the power to create our own happiness—our own joy. We may not be able to control the world around us, but we are in complete control of our mindset, and can choose happiness amidst the fear, the worries, and the challenges our future inevitably will bring us.

And that thought brings ease to the chaos a mind can so effortlessly create.

So if you catch yourself overthinking what’s to come, I encourage you to remind yourself that no matter what, you have the power within to ensure a happy and fulfilled life.