December 1st, 2024

“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.” - Maya Angelou

Good day my friends,

So, I’ve been reflecting on this quote by Maya Angelou that really resonates with me:

“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.”

At first, it sounds poetic, right? But when I sit with it, it feels so deeply real. It’s like a reminder that life isn’t about just going through the motions—it’s about living.

For me, this hits close because I’ve been thinking a lot about what makes life feel full. It’s not just about waking up, working, or even checking things off my to-do list (though, let’s be real, those are important too). It’s about those moments where time seems to stop—where something happens that makes you feel alive in a way you can’t quite describe.

You know the ones I’m talking about. For me, it’s things like standing in nature with my dogs, watching them run wild and free, and feeling that deep connection to the earth. Or when I’m traveling and suddenly find myself in a place so beautiful that it feels like my breath catches in my chest.

But let me be honest—it’s not always easy to find those moments. I get caught up in trying to figure things out, like how to create a consistent and profitable income or how to care for my body while juggling the chaos of life. And sometimes, it feels like life is just a series of things I have to do instead of things that take my breath away.

That’s why this quote is such a wake-up call. It reminds me that those magical, breathtaking moments don’t just happen—they’re something we create, something we choose to notice.

It’s the little things, too. Like when someone I love shares a laugh with me that feels real and unfiltered. Or when I try something new—even if it’s scary—and realize I’m capable of so much more than I thought. Those are the moments that make me pause and think, This. This is what life is about.

And you know what? The search for those moments, even in the middle of the mundane, is worth it. Because those moments remind me why I keep going, even when things feel heavy. They remind me that life isn’t about the system we live in or the expectations placed on us—it’s about feeling.

So, here’s what I’ve been asking myself lately: How can I create more moments that take my breath away? Not in a way that pressures me to “do more” but in a way that invites me to be present. Maybe it’s slowing down long enough to watch the sunrise. Or calling someone I care about to tell them I love them. Or just sitting with my thoughts and letting myself dream about what’s next.

Life isn’t perfect, and it’s not supposed to be. But I think the magic is in learning how to find those little sparks of awe and beauty, even in the mess.

So, what about you? What’s a moment that’s taken your breath away? Maybe it was something big, like falling in love, or something small, like seeing the way the light hit your coffee cup this morning. I’d love to hear about it. Let’s talk in the comments, or send me a message—I’m here for it.

Thanks for being here with me today. Let’s keep looking for the magic together.

Until next time,
Marjoly 🌿