As I have gotten older and progressed in my career, I have gained a new appreciation for being in nature. There is something so special about disconnecting from everything and immersing myself in some form of nature—whether that be going to the beach (I know I’m spoiled with this), walking in a park, or simply sitting out on the patio—where I feel a true sense of presence in the moment.
We live in a society where everything moves at such a fast pace. I started to notice that I was always chasing something, whether it was a goal or a simple task like figuring out what to make for dinner. My mind was constantly wired to move on to the next thing on my never-ending list. One of my biggest goals for 2025 has been to be more present and embrace stillness in the moment. As someone who is always thinking about a million different things, this has been a challenge.
Luckily, as a lifelong nature enthusiast, I’ve found that being present comes much more easily when I’m outdoors. When you spend time outside, you develop a profound sense of presence—becoming attuned to all of your senses, whether it’s spotting a Blue Heron searching for its lunch, smelling the crisp air and pine flatwoods, or feeling the warm rays of the sun. Lately, I’ve been taking daily walks at one of my favorite local nature trails—Red Bug Slough Preserve—a beautiful 72-acre estuary teeming with native Florida wildlife. I’m fortunate to experience daily encounters with stunning wildlife, including alligators, Great Blue Herons, Wood Storks, Red-Bellied Cooters, and Alligator Snapping Turtles.
With all of this in mind, as I’ve spent more time maintaining this daily practice, I’ve found myself feeling increasingly present throughout each day. This shift has led me to think less about the future and instead embrace the only moment that truly exists—the present.