It’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind. We often focus so much on what’s next that we forget to appreciate the present. However, seizing opportunities as they arise adds value to our lives. How good does it feel to experience true contentment, all because we’re fully aware of the here and now?

Living in the moment entails being present. When we fully engage in whatever we’re doing, that’s when we are truly in the present. I was sitting on a bus the other day. I looked around and noticed people on their smartphones. They are connected to their phones, but disconnected from reality.

So, I consciously decided to put my phone away and simply enjoy the view. It dawned on me how frequently we disregard the simple joys around us when our focus is elsewhere. As I watched the world go by, I felt a sense of peace and contentment that I hadn’t experienced in a while.

Planning for the future while enjoying the present moment is achievable. Last week, I handled a large work project by breaking it down into smaller tasks. Breaking it down made me feel more in control and less overwhelmed by the enormity of the project.

As the saying goes, “carpe diem,” coined by the Roman poet Horace, means “seize the day” in English. I agree with Horace. Living in the moment helps us appreciate life more fully and find happiness in our everyday experiences.

find happiness in our everyday experiences.