By Dr. Dariusz Borys
I just stepped outside to Rye Town Park with my dog, Nina — the young, energetic soul of our family. Usually, when we go out, I stay nearby but distracted, glued to my phone, checking emails or messages, lost in thoughts about work or the past. Often, I catch myself trying to solve problems that don’t even exist.
But today felt different.
I found myself watching Nina as she played joyfully with a stick, entirely in the moment. Out of habit, I reached for my phone — and then paused. I put it back in my pocket. I suddenly realized I was on the verge of missing something beautiful: a simple, joyful moment with a member of my family. Instead of being present, my mind was trapped in yesterday’s stress or tomorrow’s imaginary disasters.
Recently, I watched a quirky and funny series called Mindful Murder. It’s about a sharp-witted lawyer in the Mafia who uses mindfulness techniques to eliminate his bosses and take over the business quietly. It’s surprisingly entertaining — especially if you’ve ever fantasized about outsmarting your toxic boss.
But what really struck me — both while watching the show and during that moment with Nina — is how much time we waste thinking about the past, which often no longer matters, or worrying about a future that isn’t promised. We forget that now is the only moment that truly exists.
The power of now is a gift — a tool that allows us to enjoy each moment fully, and to find happiness not in some far-off success or perfect situation, but in the simple things we already have.
In today’s fast, uncertain world, we all need to slow down, reconnect with ourselves, and be present. After all, we only get one life. And in our pursuit of success or in solving imaginary problems, we often forget what really matters: family, friendship, laughter, and love.
When was the last time you laughed — really laughed — with joy and genuine happiness?
We need to look inward and ask ourselves: What do I truly want from this life? And, more importantly, am I taking care of myself in a way that allows me to enjoy it?
I used to be stubborn about tracking things like my sleep or energy levels. Recently, I started using a sleep-tracking device and realized that my lack of energy during the day was tied to poor sleep. That was a wake-up call. It showed me how important it is to take ownership of my body and well-being — because when we feel good physically and mentally, we’re able to actually enjoy life and everything around us.
Your well-being is everything. Protect it. Nurture it. And never forget joy lives in the present.
