As I pause and reflect, I realize how fast I often tore through life, especially in my younger years. Only now can I appreciate how much I missed by rushing forward, always looking toward the next thing. If I could advise my younger self—or even myself today—it would be this: slow down, notice the small things, and let your senses guide you.

There were so many moments I could have savored if I had just paused to pay attention. Life seemed about reaching goals, hitting milestones, and moving quickly. But in doing so, I often missed the beauty hidden in plain sight. I now know that our senses are the gateways to the mind, profoundly influencing how we experience life. We connect to ourselves, others, and nature through seeing, hearing, and feeling the world around us.

Today, I remind myself how different life feels when I walk through the world with my head up, noticing the changing flowers along the sidewalk or the birds perching on a lamppost. A hummingbird’s brief, weightless hover can be a fleeting but profound moment of stillness, but only if I can catch it. I notice how these sensory experiences ground me, helping me feel connected to my surroundings and more at peace within myself.

There’s a strange paradox in our hyperconnected world—while technology keeps us connected, it also creates a dangerous disconnect. It’s so easy to fall into the habit of staring at my phone, missing the world unfolding before me. I don’t want to fall victim to that, to allow technology to rob me of the richness available in these simple, sensory moments.

It takes effort to slow down and resist the pull of distraction, but I feel more alive and in tune with myself when I do. I try to remind myself—and would tell my younger self as well—that life is not just about significant accomplishments or grand moments. It’s the little things, the sensations of everyday life, that shape how we feel and who we are.

Pausing allows me to experience life fully, to notice not just the grand beauty but the quiet miracles—like the scent of rain on the pavement or the way sunlight filters through the leaves. These moments help me find joy, balance, and connection. They are always available, and I should take the time to pay attention.

I want to live more consciously, slow down, and experience the world with intention. I want to remember that being present is a gift I give to myself, one that fills me with a sense of belonging and wonder. Life is happening all around me right now, and I don’t want to miss it.