By Donia K Thomas

In today’s fast-paced world, it often feels like we’re always racing toward something — whether it’s the next big milestone, the upcoming weekend, or even the future version of ourselves that we hope to become. We find ourselves either dwelling on the past, replaying old conversations or rehashing regrets, or obsessively planning for the future. I experienced this firsthand as I moved through each grade, feeling a rush of excitement with every new class and new friends. But as I neared the end of my school years, I realized there is very little time left to truly enjoy it.

Living in the moment means fully immersing ourselves in the present, without distraction. It’s about letting go of worries, judgments, and expectations, and simply experiencing life as it unfolds. Life is very short and beautiful, and it’s important to make the most of the time we have.

Living in the moment means focusing on what’s happening right now — without letting our minds wander to past mistakes or future worries. It’s about being fully engaged in whatever we’re doing, whether that’s having a conversation, enjoying a meal, or simply sitting quietly in nature. By staying present, we can really savor these experiences, rather than rushing through them or missing the small details. This practice helps us feel less stressed as we stop constantly thinking about what’s next or what’s already behind us.

Living in the moment also strengthens our connections with others. When we give people our full attention, truly listening to them, we build deeper, more meaningful relationships. As we make a habit of living in the moment, we start to appreciate life more, noticing the small joys and feeling more content with what we have right now. It’s a simple way to make each day feel richer and more meaningful.