By Corita Kent
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
"Love the moment, and the energy of that moment will spread beyond all boundaries." This Corita Kent quote about happiness invites us to pause and tap into the power of presence in our daily lives. In a world that pulls us in a hundred directions, finding joy in the immediate can truly change our relationships, attitudes, and even the spaces we inhabit. With a simple, heartfelt message, these words encourage a connection to now that goes deeper than routine mindfulness, hinting at surprising ways that choosing happiness right here, right now, can ripple out far beyond ourselves.
What Does This Quote Mean?
At its surface, Corita Kent's quote asks us to appreciate and embrace each moment as it comes. The idea is not just to notice the moment, but to love it — to bring warmth, acceptance, and gratitude to whatever you are experiencing right now. When you approach your current experience with affection and openness, the effect is powerful: it becomes more meaningful, and you, in turn, radiate a positive energy.
On a deeper level, this quote suggests that happiness is not something waiting for you in a distant future or secret place. Instead, it can be chosen and nurtured in the here and now. By loving a moment — truly investing your energy and attention in it — you activate a kind of magic: your good feeling is not limited to you alone. That energy begins to touch the people, places, and circumstances around you. This is the heart of the Corita Kent quote about happiness: the idea that joy behaves like light, moving out past boundaries, brightening unexpected corners.
It also invites us to rethink boundaries themselves. The love and presence you pour into even small, everyday moments — a silent cup of tea, a smile, a quiet walk — are not confined to your own world. They become contagious, inspiring others, and improving the emotional climate all around you. In this way, the quote teaches that true happiness is expansive. When you love a moment, its energy outgrows the limits of time, space, and even individual experience.
How Can You Use This Quote in Life?
1. Appreciate Ordinary Tasks
Instead of treating daily chores as annoying duties, try loving the moment in which you do them. For instance, while washing dishes, notice the sensation of warm water and the satisfaction of clean plates. By fully engaging in these small acts, you cultivate happiness, creating little bursts of positivity that can uplift your whole household.
2. Listen Deeply in Conversations
When you are with someone, give them your full attention. Really listen, not just with your ears, but with your presence. Loving the moment while connecting with another person means putting away distractions and being genuinely curious about what they share. The energy you bring can make the conversation richer and more open, and can even help deepen relationships.
3. Practice Gratitude Throughout the Day
Instead of waiting for a big event to feel grateful, find moments in your daily routine to pause and love what is happening — whether it's the taste of your morning coffee, the comfort of your couch, or the sound of laughter. Each time you focus on what's good right now, you activate the wisdom within the Corita Kent quote about happiness and help spread positivity beyond yourself.
4. Respond to Stress by Grounding in the Present
When anxiety or frustration creeps in, take a mindful breath and try to appreciate a single detail around you — the color of the sky, the feel of your chair, the sound of music in the background. By loving the moment, even in stress, you shift your energy. This calmer vibe can influence colleagues, friends, and family, helping everyone feel more at ease.
5. Use Creative Expression as a Channel for Positive Energy
Take inspiration from Corita Kent herself. Channel your love for the present into something creative: draw, write, cook, or sing. Pour your energy into whatever you make, knowing that what feels good to you can inspire and move others too. Even small creative acts done with love can spread delight and connection.
No matter where you start, each moment you intentionally love and appreciate holds the power to break through boundaries — whether those are walls of self-doubt, busy schedules, or differences between people. Over time, this approach becomes a habit, sending ripples of happiness into your life and far beyond.
✨ The Motivation Message
You have more power than you realize — right now! Every day is made up of moments, and each one offers the chance to infuse your life with meaning. When you decide to love the present, you aren't just waiting for circumstances to line up; you're actively shaping the world around you with your own energy. Think about it: your choice to welcome today's little joys or face difficulties with openness can spark changes not just in your mood, but in how others feel and act too!
It's not about being perfect or forcing constant cheer. It's about bringing sincerity and care to whatever you're facing, and trusting that even the smallest moment matters. So treat this instant as special — because it is. The ripple of happiness you begin could surprise you as it brightens someone else's day or shifts an entire room's spirit.
Let this be your gentle challenge: take one ordinary moment and love it, just a bit more than usual. Notice what follows!
About the Author
Corita Kent, who was born in 1918 and died in 1986, was an American artist, educator, and advocate for social justice. Known for her vibrant screen prints and bold use of color and text, Corita Kent's art was rooted in spirituality, compassion, and a belief in the transformative power of joy. She began her creative journey as a Roman Catholic nun and teacher, later becoming a prominent voice in the pop art movement of the 1960s and 70s.
Kent's work was not limited to museums and galleries. She aimed to reach everyday people, often infusing her pieces with messages about love, peace, and the sacredness of daily life. Her worldview was optimistic yet practical — seeing beauty in the ordinary and believing that art and kindness could inspire big change. This quote captures her broader message: by embracing the present with real affection, we tap into a universal energy that transcends differences and unites us all in happiness and possibility. Through both her artwork and her words, Corita Kent continues to encourage us to look for wonder in the moments that make up our lives.
