Gabriel Rolón, psychologist: 'Let's not get off the ride of life before time'

Psychologist and writer Gabriel Rolón encourages people to fully engage with life, urging them not to "get off the ride of life before time." In an interview with LA NACION, Rolón discussed the complexities of happiness, the enduring weight of memories, and the challenge of truly living in the present moment.

Amidst a culture that often promotes instant gratification and quick fixes for well-being, Rolón offers a more profound perspective. He acknowledges the value of recalling happy past moments, stating that "what was is already lost." These memories, he explains, give life meaning and help individuals understand their journey, efforts, and relationships. However, he cautions that dwelling on the past should not hinder the pursuit of current happiness.

Rolón describes memory as a "treasure" that we often "edit" or "photoshopped." Over time, people tend to idealize past experiences, relationships, and life stages. "Our parents who are no longer with us become nobler people than they were, more sensitive. Our childhood can also become more beautiful places," he illustrated. The issue arises, he notes, when individuals become too attached to this idealized version of the past, neglecting the potential for present happiness.

"We are what we do with what was done to us," Rolón concluded, underscoring that while memories and experiences shape us, they do not entirely dictate our capacity to find happiness now. He stresses the importance of present actions and future aspirations, clarifying that he doesn't discourage hope for future happiness but warns against perpetually postponing the possibility of feeling good in the present. He urges listeners to "try something here, now."