“A lot of people don’t appreciate their moment until it’s passed.” — Kanye West

When I came across this video this morning, it stopped me in my tracks. How often do we rush through life, treating every moment as just another box to check or a hurdle to jump over? We’re so focused on what’s next that we forget to appreciate what’s now. The truth is, the present moment is all we really have. And yet, it’s the one thing we often overlook.

Take a deep breath. Feel that? That’s life happening. Right here, right now.

The Beauty in the Ordinary

Some of the most beautiful moments in life are the quiet, ordinary ones. The smell of coffee brewing in the morning , my baby’s giggle that lights up the room, or even the way the sun feels on your skin in the morning when I garden. These moments might seem small, but they’re the threads that weave the fabric of our lives.

Yet, we often downplay these moments, convincing ourselves that the “big” ones like the promotions, the turn ups, and the vacations are the only ones worth savoring. But life isn’t just about the peaks; it’s about the in-between, the quiet pauses, and the fleeting instants that remind us we’re alive.

The Regret of a Missed Moment

I remember a time when I was so busy trying to achieve the “next big thing” that I barely noticed the little joys around me. It wasn’t until I looked back that I realized how much I missed, but also how much I had accomplished and had mentally downplayed. That’s the thing about moments—you often don’t realize their value until they’re gone. The laugh you took for granted, the hug you brushed off, the conversation you cut short because you were “too busy.” Moving too fast.

Regret is a heavy weight to carry, and it often stems from not being present. But here’s the good news: every moment is a chance to start fresh.

How to Stay Present and Appreciate Life

1. Slow Down Life isn’t a race. Pause and notice the details around you. What do you hear? What do you see? What do you feel? Slowing down helps you to tune in and truly experience the moment. Check out Total Medication by: Lil Jon
2. Practice Gratitude At the end of each day, jot down three things you’re grateful for. They don’t have to be super big, it could be as simple as a good meal or a good laugh.
3. Connect with Loved Ones Put the phone down. Look into someone’s eyes when they’re speaking. Be fully present in your interactions. Those connections are what make life meaningful.
4. Celebrate the Small Wins Did you finish a task you’ve been putting off? High five yourself! Every step forward, no matter how small, is worth celebrating.
5. Reflect Spend a few moments each week looking back on the moments that brought you joy. Reflection helps you recognize the beauty in your life and encourages you to seek it out more intentionally.

A Final Thought

Life is happening all around us, whether we’re paying attention or not. The key is to pause, to breathe, and to take it all in. Because one day, you’ll look back on these moments, the big, the small, and everything in between, and realize they were the moments that mattered most.

So, let’s commit to appreciating our moments as they come. Let’s savor the beauty of now, without waiting for it to become a memory. After all, today is the tomorrow we once dreamed about. Let’s live it fully, with open hearts and open eyes.

Xoxo, Drea