Memories Are Made in Small Moments

Today, while driving from Ann Arbor to Chicago with my son, I was overcome with gratitude for all the small moments we shared this past week visiting universities.

From savoring the perfect slice of pizza, to feeling the face-numbing cold while late for a basketball game, to laughing at me starting an unconscious yap session when we had agreed to go to sleep (my kids call me The Yapper), to jumping up and down and celebrating the championship win of his school's girls' water polo team from my laptop... these are small moments that last.

That’s why I make it a point to have “no phone” moments every time I watch my daughter's volleyball practice. I engage—I make eye contact, celebrate her progress, and share the fun moments with her. I give her practice the same attention I would a championship game—because she’s giving it her all, and so should I. Besides, I’d rather be present for her moments of growth than lost in an Instagram scroll. And you know what? She notices.

Too often we equate "quality time" with spending money, taking a trip, or going out for an event. But the best memories are often found in doing the most mundane things. Some of my best family moments have been during simple walks together.

💡Creating Golden Trifecta Memories

1️⃣ Gift Your Presence

Your greatest gift is your time. Give your full attention—no screens, no multitasking. Whether watching your child practice, sharing a meal, or being with a friend—be all in. Your undivided attention signals love, care, and value.

2️⃣ Elevate the Ordinary

The ordinary becomes extraordinary when we infuse it with presence, laughter, and connection. Turn routine moments into meaningful ones. Cook together, take a walk, or make a car ride a conversation. Find the beauty in the mundane.

3️⃣ Celebrate the Now

We tell ourselves we’ll celebrate later—after the project, after the milestone. But "later" is a moving target. Take a deep breath. Look around. Right now, someone in your life needs your presence—give it generously.

This practice is as essential at work as in life. Being present with colleagues, making people feel seen, and valuing their time creates lasting impact. At work, presence builds trust, strengthens collaboration, and fuels productivity.

Maya Angelou said it best: "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

Have a most magnificent week—remember some of life’s most precious moments aren’t planned. They happen in the pauses, in the shared smiles, in the everyday magic we often overlook.

So today, pause. Be present. Find joy in the small moments. Because one day, you’ll look back and realize—the small moments weren’t small at all.

© Nuri Dimler 2025