The Struggle to Live in the Present Moment
Student Spotlight: Chantel Nightingale
When the New Year started, I made a resolution like many others—mine was to live more in the present moment. It felt like the right move after spending years healing from my past.
I used to let my past experiences shape my present and future. I carried them with me, sometimes without even realizing it. But after a lot of healing, I finally felt free, ready to move forward without the baggage of the past holding me down.
However, as I moved forward, I threw myself into goal-setting. I became what you might call a “goal enthusiast.” I had plans for the next six months, a year, and even a decade down the line. I was Boy I had lists, plans, charts you name it. I wanted to accomplish my dreams and had ideas.
I was fortunate enough to achieve many of those goals However Iwasn't getting any happier or even feeling like I accomplished anything. Instead of enjoying the moment my mind was always on the next thing, the next goal, the next step in my plan. I never took a moment to celebrate what I had achieved.
That realization hit me hard. I was so focused on the future that it became as problematic as being stuck in the past. I was always in a state of “what’s next?” instead of “what’s happening right now?” I knew I needed to find a balance between chasing my goals and enjoying the present moment.
So, I made a promise to myself: I would start trying to live more in the present. This is harder than it seems and a daily challenge.
I began with small changes. On my daily walks, I made an effort to notice the little things around me—the sound of leaves rustling, the warmth of the sun, and the simple beauty of life happening. I started practicing gratitude, finding something to be thankful for each day. At events, I put my camera down more often, choosing to experience the moment with my own eyes instead of through a lens.
Breathwork became a big part of this journey too. On days when my mind felt scattered between past regrets and future worries, I turned to breathwork. It helped me center myself and focus on the present, just being in the moment.
This journey is still ongoing. I’ve learned that while our past teaches us important lessons and our goals give us direction, it’s the present moment that truly counts. It’s where life happens, where happiness and gratitude live.
Living in the present doesn’t mean forgetting our goals or ignoring our past. It’s about finding a balance—appreciating where we are right now and allowing ourselves to just be. I remind myself every day that life isn’t just about where we’ve been or where we’re going—it’s about where we are, right here, right now.
About Chantel Nightingale
Chantel Nightingale is training to be a Breathwork Facilitator. She loves teaching others to deepen their inner connection within themselves and to learn how to live in a state of gratitude, happiness, and peace even if the rest of their world is chaotic. You can find her writing here: Sol Frequency
