Think about last week or last month. Can you remember anything good and memorable about it or is it somewhat of a blur?

It’s usually easier to recall the challenges when we look to the past because it’s what we tend to put most of our focus on in the present. Since today is made of your memories, and every moment of every day is what makes up our lives, if you only notice and focus on what you don’t like you’re creating some unhappy memories to look back on.

Since our life is not going to happen someday in the future, the present is what deserves our attention — the boring, the frustrating and the challenging, right alongside the exciting and the loving.

The things that you “can’t wait” to get out of are likely the things that could use a new perspective.

One day, you might not be in your horrible job, your challenging relationship, your tough financial situation, or have your health ailments.

So if you intentionally identify moments of meaning and joy in the present, they will stick with you longer. And, when we create moments of meaning for others, it catalyzes even more positivity.

This month so many experience life-changing transitions and milestones as students graduate from high school and college. University graduates prepare to enter their professions. Many parents of high school students prepare for an empty nest. It’s a great time to create positive moments that will become memories of a lifetime.

Alice Inoue is the founder of Happiness U. Visit YourHappinessU.com.