Life isn’t a race or a checklist; it’s a collection of moments to savour. For a long time, I was stuck in a routine that made me feel like I was just rushing through life—waiting for weekends or holidays to finally “live.” But I’ve learned that living fully means showing up right now, in the everyday.
Early Realisations: When I Noticed I Was Just Rushing
Back when I was stuck in a job I hated, life felt like two modes: work and sleep. I couldn’t wait to escape the week, and the weekends flashed by in a blur of decompressing, trying to catch my breath before Monday rolled around again. It was exhausting. I didn’t even notice how drained I was until a friend sat me down and said, “It’s time to look for something else.” That was my wake-up call—what became our “get-shit-done dinners,” where I applied for jobs that led me to much more peace.
Habits to Live in the Now
Meditation: Finding a Moment to Ground Myself
One of the first small habits I tried to slow down was meditation. I’d never been great at sitting still, but even a few minutes helped ground me. It gave me a little breathing space amid the chaos, helping me pause rather than rush through the day.
Walks in Green Spaces: Small Breaks That Refresh
Another habit I grew to love was lunchtime walks around my estate—a council estate, not a country one, but surprisingly green. Those short breaks in the fresh air gave me pockets of calm amid the daily rush and helped clear my head. It’s amazing how a quick walk, even in a small green space, can reset your mood and bring you back to the moment.
The Pantry Habit: Stepping Away to Show Up
At home, I realised my phone was stealing my presence. So, every night, the phone goes in the pantry cupboard under the stairs. It sounds silly, but that small change made a huge difference. Without late-night scrolling, I sleep better, stress less, and connect more with my partner and kids.
One evening, my little one tugged on my sleeve, pointing excitedly at a butterfly outside. Normally, distracted by my phone, I might’ve missed it. But that night, I was there—fully present, sharing the wonder of that tiny moment. That’s what living fully now feels like.
Morning Feeds: Quiet Joys with Family
Family rituals are where presence truly shines for me. I cherish the quiet mornings with my daughter during her feeds. It’s a gentle, still time for us, just sitting together, enjoying each other’s company without distraction. She might prefer the bottle more than the cuddles sometimes (who can blame her?), but those moments ground me like nothing else.
We also have little shared moments, like smelling flowers together—lavender being a firm favourite. Although, my toddler tends to try and eat the lavender more than sniff it—messy, silly, and utterly lovely. These small rituals remind me that living fully doesn’t require grand plans. It’s about embracing imperfect, everyday joys—the real heartbeat of presence.
Balancing Future Planning With Living Fully
I’m pretty careful with money, but I’ve learned that planning for the future doesn’t have to get in the way of enjoying today. I live a life that doesn’t cost a lot day-to-day, but for the bigger things, like holidays, I save up in a dedicated account. I keep about £1,000 there, topping it up when I spend it. It’s simple, stress-free, and it means I can enjoy those breaks without guilt or worry.
My needs, wants, savings, and investments are all taken care of in a straightforward way. I’ve stopped overcomplicating things—no endless spreadsheets or pots with confusing rankings. This balance helps me feel secure without sacrificing presence.
Handling Challenges When Life Feels Overwhelming
When life piles up or things get too much, I’m learning to accept it’s okay to cancel plans or take a timeout. For example, recently I had to cancel time with my mum because it was just too overwhelming—getting somewhere at a specific time with a baby fresh off jabs felt impossible. It’s hard not to feel like you’re letting people down, but I’ve found a phone call can often replace a meet-up without losing connection.
It’s about pivoting back into simplicity and presence, not pushing through burnout or pressure. Sometimes the kindest thing you can do for yourself is take a step back and breathe.
Reflections and Future Vision
Lessons I’d Tell My Younger Self
If I could go back and offer advice to my younger self about slowing down and living fully, it would be: meditate, be kinder to people, keep in contact with loved ones, and don’t wait to say the things that matter.
Unexpected Joys
Since embracing simplicity and presence, I’ve found joy even in moments I used to dread. I don’t mind the crying baby as much because I remind myself to take one step at a time—rocking from side to side—and trust that hard times will pass. I know there are so many good times just around the corner.
Looking Ahead: My Vision for the Next Five Years
In five years, I’d love to have a simple weekly plan: work, school runs, weekend fun, date nights, and in a monthly view—movies, mini adventures, holidays (with easy travel, trains especially). It’s about keeping life manageable and joyful, making room for presence and simplicity.
Gentle Questions for the Road:
Right now, I find joy in those small everyday moments—the quiet morning feeds, the walks, and even the simple act of putting my phone away at night. These habits aren’t flashy, but they anchor me to the present.
- What are some small habits you’ve found that help you slow down and be fully present?
- When was the last time you truly savoured a moment instead of rushing past it?
- How do you balance planning for the future with enjoying life today?
I’d love to hear what living fully means for you. What little moments keep you grounded?