Embracing Nostalgia and Finding Presence: How to Treasure Life’s Moments

Dear Friend,

This week, I’ve been feeling a deep longing for home. But where is home? It’s not just a physical place; it’s a feeling etched in my memory. It’s where I felt totally at peace—a space where life moved a little slower, colors seemed richer, and even the responsibilities felt manageable.

For me, my mind often wanders back to my years in San Diego during high school. I think of morning walks through Torrey Pines, sitting and staring at the vast ocean. Writing about it now makes my heart ache in the best way. Life was so good then—a different kind of good from now. Nostalgia like this can be bittersweet, can’t it?

(See baby Aly below, Torrey Pines Reserve circa 2011)

Here’s the thing: most of us have a time in life we’d give anything to revisit. A moment we wish we had cherished more fully. Maybe for you, it’s a season when life felt simpler or lighter. And while it’s normal to look back, I want to remind you of something important:

The moment you’re living right now will be the memory you treasure 10 years from now.

This chapter of your life—with all its challenges, chaos, or even monotony—is shaping you in ways you can’t yet see. It holds lessons about yourself, your relationships, and your resilience. So, take a breath and be here now. You’ll want to remember this.

3 Simple Ways to Be More Present Today

1. Sketch Your Surroundings
   Grab a sticky note or a piece of paper and sketch the scene in front of you. Whether it’s a messy kitchen counter, your partner working, or a steaming cup of coffee, try capturing the details. (It doesn’t matter how “bad” you are at drawing!)

2. Journal Your Day
   Reflect on these prompts:

   • “Today I feel…”
   • “Today I hope for…”
   • “Today I am grateful for…”

3. Disconnect for 2 Hours
   Turn off your phone for a full two hours. If that sounds impossible, it’s a sign you could benefit from more unplugged moments. Notice the things you often overlook when your phone is within reach.

Even now, amidst sleepless nights and endless to-dos, I know I’ll be nostalgic for this season someday. That’s why I’m choosing to savor it now—even the messy, imperfect parts.

Slow down today. Take a deep breath. Give yourself a hug.

With love,
Aly