Cherish the Moments
We tend to measure life by the big moments—weddings, milestone birthdays, holidays, career achievements. They’re the ones people ask about, the ones we post on social media, the ones we think we’ll never forget. But ask anyone about their wedding day, and many will say it passed in a blur. We often don’t pause long enough to truly feel those moments as they unfold. We’re too busy moving through them, distracted by what’s next, instead of fully present in what is.
The truth is, the moments that shape us the most aren’t always the loud, obvious ones. They’re the quiet, ordinary ones we often overlook: a warm breeze on a morning walk, the sound of your child’s laughter drifting through the house, the comfort of sitting beside someone you love in total silence. These moments don’t announce themselves. They don’t feel like milestones. And yet, they are quietly carving the shape of your life.
When we learn to slow down, to step back and become aware of the moment we’re in, something powerful happens. Stress loosens its grip. Gratitude sneaks in. Your body remembers what peace feels like. You begin to store these little pockets of joy—these subtle but powerful impressions that gradually shift your outlook and energy. Over time, they become the foundation for a calmer, more contented life.
And it’s not just the good moments. Even the hard ones can be worthy of reflection. Painful experiences teach us. They stretch us. If we’re open to it, they soften us in all the right ways. When we learn to hold space for both joy and discomfort, we begin to cherish not just the highs, but the growth that comes from the lows.
Every day offers dozens of small opportunities to be present. They often pass unnoticed—until one day, you realise how much you miss what you didn’t stop to appreciate. Life isn’t lived in the highlight reel. It’s lived in the gentle, quiet in-betweens. The cup of tea. The golden hour light. The shared glance. The imperfect dinner with people you love. These are the moments that matter. And they’re happening now. Pause for them. Feel them. Cherish them.
This post is inspired by Barely Zen: A Completely Unscientific Guide To Life by Steve Marsh. For more practical insights explore the full book.