Chasing Moments, Not Milestones

Hey, it’s Jared.

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably spent a lot of your life focused on the “next thing.” The next goal. The next trip. The next relationship. The next version of yourself that’s supposed to have it more together than the current one.

But lately, something shifted for me. I was walking through a quiet town in southern Italy, just after sunset. No big destination. No bucket list items left to check off that day. Just wandering. And I stumbled upon this tiny square filled with locals—kids kicking a ball, old friends laughing over wine, someone playing guitar off to the side. It was simple. Unplanned. Beautiful.

And it hit me: the best moments in life usually aren’t on the itinerary.

We live in a world that tells us to keep achieving—collect experiences like trophies, level up constantly. And don’t get me wrong, growth is important. But if we’re so focused on reaching the next milestone, we can miss the magic that’s happening right now.

The real joy, I’m starting to think, comes from being open to the unexpected. Letting yourself get lost. Saying yes to small adventures. Slowing down enough to notice the beauty in people, in silence, in imperfection.

So wherever you are right now, whatever you’re chasing—pause for a second. Look around. There might be a quiet little moment waiting for you, one that’s not part of the plan… but might just stay with you forever.

Here’s to chasing presence, not just progress.

Talk soon,

Jared