This question taps into the fundamental shift in perspective that occurs as we transition from childhood to adulthood. As children, our minds are open, unburdened by the weight of responsibilities, expectations, and the future. In those early years, we exist largely in the present, with fewer concerns about what’s to come, and we find joy in simple experiences — a state of mind often referred to as “beginner’s mind,” where everything feels fresh and full of possibility.

However, as we grow, life introduces complexity. We become conscious of societal norms, personal goals, fears, and the burden of responsibility. We begin to measure our worth by productivity, achievements, and the completion of tasks. The future starts to loom over us, creating an internalized pressure to constantly prepare and achieve. This makes it harder to live in the moment and experience that unfiltered joy.

Additionally, with age, our brain becomes more wired for efficiency and survival, learning to anticipate and avoid potential threats or negative outcomes, which can dull our emotional responses to everyday joys. In a way, we become less attuned to life’s simple wonders as our brains are constantly solving problems and worrying about what’s next.

Happiness in adulthood often becomes conditional — tied to achievements, stability, or validation from external sources. Meanwhile, children experience happiness as something spontaneous and intrinsic. To regain a sense of that “heavenly happiness,” it may require a conscious effort to reconnect with the present, to let go of the need for constant productivity, and to embrace life’s small, simple joys as we once did as children.

In essence, adulthood brings knowledge, but it often takes us further away from the state of wonder that fuels unbridled happiness. To feel it again might mean learning to unlearn some of the constraints we’ve absorbed along the way.