The Magic of the In-Betweens

“Living in the moment is learning how to live between the big moments. It is learning how to make the most of the in-betweens and having the audacity to make those moments exciting.” -Morgan Harper Nichols

I came across that quote on a Monday and when I read it, I had to stop and think “do I live in the moment in my day-to-day life? Or do I only celebrate and treasure those big moments of weddings and graduations?” After those big life achievements, how often do I really relish in the in-betweens? The days where life just is.?

Every week, I end up uttering the phrase “there’s not enough time in the day!”. I’m always rushing from one meeting to another and then before I know it, the day/week/month is over. Reflecting on my daily routine, I rarely stop and look around me to celebrate the happy in-betweens. So, I ‘ve decided to put myself on notice to stop and look around once in a while.

A few weeks ago, as I was sitting in the NOLA airport waiting for the storm to pass, after another week full of meetings, it gave me 8 hours that I wasn’t getting back, to soak up the experience. After all, we weren’t going anywhere soon. It was the perfect setting to observe how people were coping with the unknown. Some people found peace calling their loved ones, others stood in line to find another flight, and some took their frustration out on others. However, there was one person that got it right and made the most of the situation. It was the 5-year-old boy, named Max, who quickly turned this delay into an adventure. From being in awe of the planes and storm to playing peek-a-boo with a total stranger changing their frustrations to laughter.? He instantly became the glue that made people put their cell phones down, to talk to others and laugh which sped up the endless hours of unpredictability. He reminded me that I can’t save time, only spend it.

Learning to live in the moment isn't just about seizing those spotlight occasions; it's about finding joy, fulfillment, and meaning in everyday life. Just like Max.

It takes audacity to immerse ourselves in those seemingly mundane moments with excitement and significance. Like being woken up by the scent of morning coffee, enjoying lunch with a loved one, or smiling at a dog on your walk home. It's a conscious choice to be fully present, to engage with all our senses, and to cultivate gratitude for the beauty that surrounds us.

So, as we go through each day, let's remember to embrace the in-betweens. Let's dance like no one’s watching, laugh with abandon, and savor the simple pleasures that make life truly wonderful and worth living.

Since we can’t save time, let’s spend it wisely, by making magic in the in-betweens.