Romanticizing the Present

I recently listened to an eye-opening episode of No One Knows What They Are Doing. In it, the host and guest shared a simple but profound truth: no matter where you are—whether in the U.S. or abroad—happiness is a choice. They pointed out something that stuck with me: moving abroad to “escape” life’s difficulties won’t make those problems disappear. Wherever you go, you bring yourself and your mindset with you. Real peace comes from learning to find joy in the present, rather than searching for it somewhere else.

One idea that truly resonated was the suggestion to idealize your current moment. The word “gratitude” is often thrown around, but to me, it can feel forced, like one more thing I “should” do. But “idealizing” the present moment? That feels different. It feels empowering, almost like a game, to look around and say, “What if this is already ideal?” With this shift, I find myself able to romanticize the small, beautiful things that are happening right now, realizing that someone out there would love to be right where I am. And maybe they would love to be where you are, too.

The guest on the podcast lives abroad and said something else I often think about: how privileged we are as Americans to even consider moving to another country. For so many people around the world, this kind of freedom isn’t an option.

So here I am, idealizing this very moment as I write.

I’m idealizing my walks through our neighborhood, carrying my baby boy snuggly in a front carrier. I marvel at the strength I’ve built to carry his 25+ pounds for over two miles, a proud “rucking” journey we take together. It’s a powerful feeling, knowing I could go on longer if he’d let me. The weather right now is crisp and perfect, the kind of weather that lifts your spirit.

My work life as a new attending is taking shape in ways that feel challenging but good. And I’m finally learning Spanish—something I’ve been meaning to do for so long.

Things aren’t perfect, of course. No one’s life is, really. But right now, these things feel like wins, and I’m choosing to see them that way. Idealizing the present, as it turns out, is something I can carry with me wherever I go.