Live a Little: Learning to Be Present in the Moment

Not long ago, I stumbled across a short video clip, just a quiet exchange between a bartender and a lone customer. Nothing dramatic. But the words from that scene have stuck with me:

"You can’t get so hung up on where you’d rather be that you forget how to make the most of where you are."

It stopped me cold.

Because of that line? It wasn’t just a clever quote. It was my truth. I watched the clip repeatedly. Each time, I felt a deeper tug. It was as though someone had finally put words to a struggle I hadn't fully admitted.

The truth is, I’ve been mentally living everywhere but here.

Hillary! Live a Little.

The Trap of Always Chasing the "Next"

I’ve spent a lot of my life pursuing purpose and growth, and there’s nothing wrong with that. But somewhere along the line, I started tying my happiness to "arrival points."

• When things get better...
• When I land that opportunity...
• When life feels more stable...

The problem? That list never ends. And in the process, I missed out on the now.

I showed up for family events, but my mind was on the future.
I attended social gatherings, but couldn’t connect.
I was physically there, but emotionally absent.

It affected my relationships. My peace. Even my self-worth.

A Father's Day Reminder I Almost Missed

In one of my previous posts, This Father’s Day, I Chose to Celebrate the Process, Not Just the Plan  I talked about how I approached Father's Day differently this year. Usually, I let the day pass while consumed by thoughts of what I hadn't yet achieved as a father or as a man.

But this year, I slowed down. I allowed myself to be in the moment, to just be "Dad."

And something shifted.

My child’s laugh hit different. The meal tasted better. The memories felt fuller.

That simple choice to be present cracked something open in me. It showed me that presence isn’t just a momentary escape from pressure—it’s the path to healing and joy.

Living a Little Starts with Letting Go

So now, I’m starting a new journey. Not one fuelled by pressure or hustle, but one rooted in awareness. In joy. In living a little.

Here’s what that looks like for me:

• Putting down my phone during conversations.
• Listening, really listening, when someone speaks.
• Laughing even when life isn’t perfect.
• Taking walks just to feel the sunset.
• Reminding myself that this moment is enough.

I don’t have to wait to reach some imagined version of success to be happy.

I can live today.

So do you...

A Message for You, My Reader

If you feel like you’re always reaching for "what’s next," I want you to know you’re not alone. But I also want you to know this:

No version of the future will feel satisfying if you’re not present in your life today.

Start small. Choose one moment. One breath. One experience. Let it matter.

Joy isn’t waiting for you at the finish line.
It’s here, hiding in plain sight.

Let’s Make a Pact

This week or next, I’m challenging myself, and you:

• Smile at someone without a reason.
• Sit quietly for five minutes with no agenda.
• Write down one thing you’re grateful for each night.
• Call a friend you’ve been meaning to catch up with.

Then come back and share: What shifted in you?

Let’s learn to live a little, together.

Final Thought: The Moment Is Enough

Today, I choose to stop letting the future steal the joy of my now.

I’m not perfect. But I’m present.

And that’s a powerful place to begin.

• So here's to slowing down.
• To showing up.
• To laughing louder and worrying less.

                                        Here’s to living a little.

Call to Action

How are you learning to be present?
Drop a comment below or share this post with someone who needs the reminder.
We rise and rest, better together. 

Don’t Just Read — Realign.

Here’s how to begin your journey into presence and mindful living:

✅ Subscribe to Hillary’s Mindscape Newsletter to get each reflection, prompt, and gentle reminder sent directly to your inbox.

✅ Share below: What’s one moment recently where you chose to be present — or wish you had been?
Your experience might just remind someone else that now is enough.