Erika C.
Photography by Alex Gogo
If you’re reading this, remember to take life one day at a time.
It is easy to breeze through life, juggling school tasks and personal responsibilities, without taking the time to appreciate the small things. The tendency to stress about what is to come in the future can detract from living fully in the present. As someone who often dwells on the "what-ifs," I continue to learn that living in the moment does not mean giving up on my goals; it simply means choosing to focus on today.
This past year, working as an intern at an Alzheimer's disease research center was a truly eye-opening experience. I had the opportunity to work with older adults who chose to contribute to research, and through this, I have witnessed their immense gratitude and patience with themselves. One of the many questions I ask in the study is, “Would you consider your health to be better, about the same, or worse than it was five years ago?" In most cases, people respond that their health has worsened over the past five years, often without further explanation. However, I specifically remember one older woman who, when asked, said her health had worsened. She immediately followed by saying that, despite this, she had never felt so fulfilled. The woman stated that every day, she appreciated the start of a new day and enjoyed each one as it came. She remarked that every sunrise was a day for new accomplishments, a day for progress. I gazed at her face, and all I saw was pure joy. I paused to reflect, and at that moment, I understood what she meant. Even in the face of difficulty, the older individuals who came in embraced the present and looked past the potential struggles of the future.
Through this reflection, I realized that I do not extend the same grace to myself. The wise woman showed me that I go through life trying to check off boxes without taking the time to appreciate the small things. Each day should be about making the most of it and valuing our progress. As a society, we tend to perceive only major accomplishments—like graduating or receiving awards—as achievements. However, we also accomplish many things every day. Whether it's trying a new recipe, taking a great picture, or simply choosing a new route home, we are achieving something new. So, as you go about your days, remember to savor the present moment and trust that each day, no matter how small, is a stepping stone toward something more meaningful.
Erika C., New York University
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