How to Enjoy the Moments You’re In: A Parent’s Guide to Living in the Present

The Pressure of Looking Ahead as a Parent

Does it ever feel like you’re always looking ahead and saying, “I can’t wait for…?” As parents, it’s easy to get caught up in the next milestone, whether it’s our kids growing older, getting through a busy workweek, or simply moving on to the next stage of life. I’ve definitely been guilty of this!

Today, as I was cleaning up after lunch (and squishing a veggie nugget under my sock—oh the joys of parenthood), I had a realization. I’d been so excited for the day when my little one could eat “real” food—like the cute lunches you see influencers posting online. I couldn’t wait to stop making purees and give him what we eat. But, as with many things in life, the reality is a bit different than I imagined.

 

How to Slow Down and Appreciate the Present Moment

It’s easy to be excited for the future, but we often forget to embrace the present. So, how can we start enjoying the moments we’re in? For me, it’s all about practicing mindfulness and slowing down.

 

Start with Mindfulness in Your Daily Routine

One of the first steps is being intentional about the little moments. After I wake up, I make my coffee, get my little one’s bottle ready, and reflect on the previous day. I take a moment to relive the good moments and express gratitude for what I have. This simple practice of mindfulness has helped me reset my perspective and be more present throughout the day.

 

The Importance of Being Fully Present with Your Child

As a parent, it’s easy to get distracted by the noise around us—work, social media, daily tasks. But one thing I’ve realized is that my little one doesn’t know when I’m distracted. If I’m on my phone trying to manage my business, he just sees me as a mom who’s not paying attention to him.

I don’t want to be that mom. I want to be present for those small, but huge moments—like when he climbs into my lap or when he stares at me, nose-to-nose, with excitement in his eyes.

I remind myself to “only worry about where my feet are,” a piece of advice I often share with my wedding couples. Whether it’s playing with my little one, working on my business, or just enjoying a cup of coffee, it’s important to focus on the present moment.

 

Practical Tips for Enjoying Life’s Little Moments

So, how do we start living in the moment and enjoying the life we’re in right now? Here are some tips I’ve found helpful:

1. 1. Journaling for Reflection:
      Journaling is one of the best ways to connect with your deeper thoughts and desires. A favorite prompt of mine is: “What in your life right now are you grateful for? How did it come to be?” Journaling helps you realize that many of the things you’re excited about already exist in your life.

1. 1. Slow Down and Reflect:
      It’s easy to get caught up in the rush of everyday life. But the more we slow down, the more we appreciate the small, everyday moments. If you catch yourself rushing through the day, take a few moments to breathe, reflect, and simply be.

1. 1. Limit Distractions:
      One of the hardest things for me has been reducing distractions during quality time with my child. Whether it’s turning off my phone or setting aside work for a while, I try to fully engage with him when we’re together. Not only does it benefit him, but it also helps me create lasting memories.

1. 1. Romanticize the Everyday:
      You don’t have to wait for special occasions to make things feel special. Make your morning coffee in your favorite mug, wear those cozy pajamas you save for “special” days, and dress up to impress yourself—not anyone else. By embracing the idea of “romanticizing” the small moments, you trick your brain into believing that these moments are worth celebrating.

 

Final Thoughts: Be Present, Be Grateful

I’ve spent so much time looking forward to the next thing that I’ve sometimes forgotten to appreciate where I am right now. But by embracing mindfulness, journaling, and focusing on the present, I’m learning to truly enjoy these moments with my child and in my life.

It’s okay to be excited for the future—but let’s also remember to savor the present. After all, it’s what we’ve been waiting for all along.

 

If you’re looking for more tips on mindful parenting or want to share your own experiences of living in the moment, drop a comment below or send me a DM. I’d love to hear your thoughts!

And if you’re ever looking to capture these special moments with photos, don’t hesitate to reach out. You know where to find me!

Xoxo,

Alley

 

Love these little veggie nuggets
& for yoga and meditation there’s no one better than Boho Beautiful