Who's That Girl?

We live in a world that is constantly rushing forward and because of that it’s easy to forget the importance of living in the moment. Between busy schedules, endless to-do lists, and the never-ending pull of the future, we often find ourselves preoccupied with what’s next, leaving little room to appreciate the present. I am guilty of this as my life has become a whirlwind for many years, but even more so over the last few as a widow. But what if I told you that the secret to a more fulfilled and peaceful life lies in truly embracing the here and now?  

I have mentioned in previous posts how I used to always plan ahead.  Every aspect of my life for years to come was planned out, that was until my world got ripped out from beneath me.  Life always has a way of humbling you and teaching you lessons. Despite many years of hardships and those lessons I didn’t fully get the message the universe was sending me until that very moment when I lost my partner and everything we had planned for ourselves as a family went out the window.  What I have now learned from that major life experience, is that instead of planning life out or dwelling on the past you should truly just live in the moment.  As I finally have embraced this life lesson, I’ve noticed a shift within me as well as around me.  I have found more happiness and joy in every single day and with that more blessings have come my way.  Living in the moment isn’t just a trendy phrase; it’s a powerful practice that can bring clarity and can help us build deeper connections with ourselves and others. 

Our minds tend to wander between the past and the future from day to day. We dwell on past mistakes, regrets, memories, or we worry about what’s coming next, often leading to anxiety. However, when we truly live in the moment, we break free from these mental traps and allow ourselves to experience life as it unfolds.  Living in the moment isn’t just a feel-good idea; there’s real science behind it too. Studies show that mindfulness, which is another way of living in the moment, can reduce stress, improve focus, and even enhance physical health. When you practice mindfulness, your brain shifts into a relaxed state, reducing the production of stress hormones like cortisol. It can also help to improve the quality of your sleep, boost your immune system, and promote emotional well-being.  I have started to enjoy the spontaneity of sharing in special moments with special people.  I have learned that you don’t have to know what is up ahead as a defense mechanism or as a way of protecting yourself because you are now safe and at ease.  I have learned to relinquish the power of planning and even allowing others to take the wheel, and through all of this I have found more joy, more laughter, more happiness and peace.  It’s been a beautiful experience, and I know people around me have noticed the shift in me as well.  It’s a simple thing to do, yet not many people know how to live in the moment so I’m sharing a few ways that have helped me.

Practicing mindful breathing is one of the easiest ways to anchor yourself in the present. If you try pausing for a few minutes during your day, taking a deep and intentional breath, it can help you be more grounded and refocused. I find this super helpful in extremely stressful moments as they bubble up some days or weeks and it just helps calm the state of my mind and brings me back to the current moment instead of spiraling as I would do before with so many situations.

Engaging your senses by slowing down and paying attention to the world around you is another great way to live in the moment. Notice the colors, sounds, textures, and scents in your environment. This simple act of sensory awareness pulls you back into the exact moment you are in.  On a recent trip to New York City, I found myself doing that on several occasions and it was truly beautiful.  It made me appreciate all the wonderful things I was experiencing and at one point I even found myself feeling emotional, but in a good way because I was truly feeling the experience!  How incredible is it to be able to take all that in.

Being present with people whether you’re having a conversation with a friend or spending time with your partner or family and putting away distractions like your phone to focus fully on the interaction is another incredible way of living in the moment. Listening actively and responding with genuine attention is a true gift. This not only strengthens relationships but also helps you savour those connections.

Letting go of perfection would be one of the toughest things I’ve had to learn to do and will probably be something I will have to work hard at for years to come. Living in the moment means embracing imperfections. Instead of striving for a perfect outcome, allow yourself to experience the process. Whether it’s enjoying a hobby, trying something new, or even facing a challenge, be present with it, and don’t worry about the end result.  It may go perfectly, and it may not, and that’s ok too.  Through both the wins and opportunities you grow, and growth is never a bad thing at any age or stage of the game.

Lastly, start small. If you’re new to the practice of mindfulness, start small. Try setting aside a few minutes each day to focus on the present, whether it’s during a walk, a meal, or even just while sitting quietly. Over time, these moments will add up and begin to shift your entire perspective.

Living in the moment can dramatically change the way you experience life. Even through my grief journey there are still hard and challenging days, but it has helped me feel more at ease, more connected to the world around me, and more aligned with my own sense of purpose. Instead of getting caught up in what could be or what could have been, you begin to realize that life is already happening right here, right now and we are so lucky to be here.  In a society that constantly encourages us to look ahead or dwell on the past, learning to live in the moment may even be a sort of act of rebellion—a rebellion against stress, overwhelm, and burnout. It’s an invitation to slow down, to find joy in the everyday, and to make the most of this precious time we all have.

So, as we kick off this weekend, I know I will be living in the moment with a special person, especially after my crazy week and in preparation for the chaos of the dance world over the next 2 months. But I want to take this moment to remind everyone else that the next time your mind starts to wander, or you feel overwhelmed by what’s next to just take a deep breath and bring yourself back to the present. 

That is where peace resides, where life truly happens, and where the beauty of existence can be found in its purest form.

 xo LM