Why Life Feels Like It’s Passing You By — And How to Start Living in the Moment

Have you ever looked up from your phone, planner or inbox and wondered where the day went — or your whole week, even your life?

Many of us feel like we’re rushing through life, constantly preparing for a better tomorrow that never quite arrives. As John Lennon once wrote:

“The present is what passes us by while we are planning our future.”

It’s a quiet truth — and one that most of us ignore until it hits us hard.

We’re Taught to Think Ahead — But at What Cost?

From an early age, we’re encouraged to be forward-thinking. We plan our studies, our careers, our savings, our retirement. We’re told to always be chasing the next goal — the better job, the bigger house, the next milestone. And in some ways, future thinking is useful. It gives us direction and motivation.

But there’s a cost we don’t often talk about: when your mind lives in the future, you don’t live in the present. You sacrifice today in the hope that tomorrow will be better — more exciting, more fulfilling, more meaningful.

What we don’t realise is that in doing so, we’re spending the only time that truly exists — now — somewhere else.

What About the Past?

We hear a lot about how dwelling on the past can cause unhappiness. We ruminate on mistakes, on how others let us down, on the things we wish we’d done differently. But we rarely question the potential harm of excessive future thinking.

Yes, it may feel positive — setting goals, making plans, dreaming big. But constantly looking ahead creates distance between ourselves and our lives as they are. It keeps us chasing a version of happiness that always feels just out of reach.

As Tenzin Palmo once said:

“The only moment that is real is the present. Everything else is only living in the mind — a thought, a dream, an illusion.”

So What’s the Problem With Future-Focus?

At first glance, there may not seem to be a problem at all. Planning is sensible. Productive. Necessary.

But here’s the truth: most people don’t realise how absent they are from their own lives — until they taste real presence. And once you’ve experienced that, even briefly, it’s impossible to ignore how distracted and fragmented life often feels.

If you’ve ever practised true mindfulness — not as a trend or technique, but as a way of being — you’ll know what I mean. Suddenly, you're aware. You're alive in your body, your breath, your surroundings. You're not in your head, you're here.

Awake or On Autopilot?

There is a profound difference between living with awareness and going through the motions. Most of us spend our days on autopilot — physically present but mentally elsewhere. We’re thinking about emails, errands, conversations that haven’t happened yet.

As Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hanh describes, even the simplest acts can become sacred when done with presence:

“When washing the dishes, just wash the dishes.”

Not to finish quickly. Not while mentally rushing to the next task. Just — wash.

Likewise, when walking, simply walk. Don’t plan your week, replay an argument, or scroll through your thoughts. Just walk. Notice the trees, the sound of your steps, the breath in your lungs.

That’s what it means to live.

When We’re Present, We Wake Up to Our Lives

The more we practise awareness, the more vivid life becomes. You notice beauty in ordinary things. You become more patient. You listen more deeply. You laugh more freely. You feel more connected — to yourself, to others, to the world around you.

Mindfulness isn’t a buzzword — it’s a way of reclaiming your life from distraction. And in a culture that worships productivity, it’s quietly radical.

Why Busyness Has Become a Badge of Honour

In modern life, we wear busyness like a medal. If you’re busy, you’re important. If you’re booked, you’re successful.

And anyone who chooses a slower, simpler life? They’re met with confusion — or subtle judgment. People might say they admire you for stepping away from the rat race, but many still quietly believe you’re not doing enough.

But some of us have watched too many people come to the end of their lives filled with regret — not because they didn’t hustle hard enough, but because they missed what mattered most:

More time with loved ones.
More time doing things they loved.
More time simply being alive.

If Life Feels Like It’s Passing You By… Ask This

If you feel exhausted, disconnected, unfulfilled — like life is moving too fast and you’re not really in it — ask yourself:

What needs to change?

And then, a harder question:

What am I willing to do to change it?

You might need to leave a job, end a draining relationship, move somewhere new, or radically slow down. It won’t be easy. Swimming against the current rarely is. But with time, it becomes second nature. And you’ll discover a truth few people talk about:

Stillness doesn’t mean stuck. It means free.

Living Differently Takes Courage — But It’s Worth It

Living slower in a world that values speed is an act of courage.

Choosing presence over productivity takes practice.

But there’s a kind of peace you find when you step off the treadmill — a depth of freedom that’s hard to describe.

You stop needing permission.

You stop craving approval.

You stop waiting for a better someday and start loving what’s already here.

You discover that being alone isn’t lonely — it’s restful.

That not needing much feels powerful.

That being grounded in your own presence is the most liberating way to live.

How to Start Living in the Present Moment: Simple Practices

You don’t need to change everything at once. Here are a few ways to begin building mindful moments into your daily life:

• Pause before reacting. Take one conscious breath before responding in conversations.

• Savour the small things. Whether it's a cup of tea, a quiet morning, or birdsong — notice it.

• Try tech-free windows. Even 30 minutes a day without your phone can reset your brain.

• Take mindful walks. Walk slowly, without music or distractions, and notice the world around you.

• Journal for clarity. Write what you're feeling right now. Don’t edit. Just express.

• Final Thought: You Don’t Need to Escape — Just Return

You don’t need to escape your life to find peace.

You just need to come back to it.

Not next year. Not next week. Just now.

This moment is the only place life truly happens. Don’t let it pass you by.

Ready to Live on Your Own Terms?

If you’ve ever felt like you were made for something quieter, deeper, more intentional — you’re not alone. There’s a quiet rebellion happening. One where we stop chasing and start choosing.

Want to discover your path forward?

Take the free quiz:

What’s Your Quiet Rebellion Type?

Find out the kind of rebel you are — and how to create a life that truly feels like yours.