The Magic of Being Here

Diny Davis (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

“Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.” – Dr. Seuss

Close your eyes for a moment and think about your most treasured memory. What makes it so special? Is it just what happened, or is it how deeply you experienced that moment? The truth is, the richness of our memories isn’t just about what we do—it’s about how present we are when we’re doing it. When we truly show up in our lives, something magical happens. Our ordinary moments transform into extraordinary memories that stay with us forever.

In our busy world, we rush from one thing to the next, scrolling through our phones, thinking about tomorrow’s tasks while today slips by unnoticed. But what if I told you that the secret to creating beautiful, lasting memories isn’t about doing more exciting things, but about being more present in the things you’re already doing? When we learn to be fully here—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally—we unlock a superpower that makes every experience more vibrant, meaningful and memorable.

This isn’t just feel-good advice; there’s real science behind it. Our brains are like cameras, but they only take clear, detailed pictures when we’re paying attention. When we’re distracted or thinking about other things, our memory “camera” gets blurry. But when we’re fully present, we capture every detail, each feeling, every tiny moment that makes an experience special.

The Science Behind Present-Moment Memory Making

Imagine your brain as a library: when you’re distracted, you’re like someone quickly shoving books onto shelves without organizing them. Later, when you try to find a specific book (or memory), it’s nearly impossible. But when you’re present, you’re like a careful librarian who takes time to properly catalog each book with detailed notes about what’s inside. Those are the memories you can find easily and enjoy repeatedly. The more present you are, the more detailed and sharper your mental library becomes.

Children are natural experts at this. Watch a young child discover a puddle after it rains. They don’t just see water—they see reflections, ripples and endless possibilities for splashing. They’re completely absorbed in the moment, which is why childhood memories often feel so pure and magical. We adults can learn from this. When we approach our daily experiences with childlike curiosity and attention, we rediscover the wonder that’s been hiding in plain sight all along.

Avoiding the Distraction Trap

Our modern world seems designed to steal our attention. Phones buzz with notifications, TVs play in the background, and our minds constantly jump between past worries and future goals. It’s like trying to watch a beautiful sunset while someone keeps tapping you on the shoulder. You might see the sunset, but you miss all the tiny changes in color, the way the light dances on the clouds and the peaceful feeling of that perfect moment.

But here’s some good news—being present isn’t about being perfect. It’s about making small choices throughout your day to show up more fully. When you eat breakfast, can you just concentrate on your food instead of watching the news? When someone is talking to you, can you listen with your whole attention instead of planning your response? These tiny shifts might seem simple, but they create huge changes in how you experience and remember your life.

Creating Intentional Memory Moments

The key is intention. Instead of letting experiences happen to you, you become an active participant in creating them. Maybe it’s declaring a random Tuesday as “movie night” and rewatching those 90s classic movies. Sometimes, changing your regular routine can make the most beautiful memories.  

I remember deciding to watch the sunrise one Saturday morning. I woke up early, made my favorite coffee, sat on my balcony and saw the sky slowly change colors. I paid attention to everything—how the cool air felt, the gradual warming of the sun on my face, the way the world slowly came alive around me. That simple decision to be present for a sunrise created a memory I still treasure. It didn’t cost anything except my attention, but it gave me something priceless—a beautiful moment that will stay with me forever.

Reminding You to Make Richer Memories

The choice is yours and it starts right now. You don’t need to wait for the perfect moment or make dramatic changes. You can begin creating richer memories today by simply choosing to be more present in whatever you’re doing. 

Your life is happening right now, in this moment. Don’t let it pass by unnoticed. Start today, start small, but start. Your future self is counting on you to pay attention and create memories worth treasuring. The most beautiful moments of your life might be hiding in the most ordinary places, waiting for you to show up and discover them.

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Diny Davis is an aspiring author who is passionate about fitness and a strong believer in the close connection between physical and mental health. She is a journalism, psychology and literature graduate, a loving wife and a caring mother who maintains a balance in her work and personal lives while giving emphasis to self-care.