What I Wish I’d Known Sooner About Living Fully

May 5

If I could go back and whisper something to my younger self, it wouldn’t be about working harder or doing more. It would be this: Slow down. Pay attention. You’re allowed to live a life that feels good on the inside, not just one that looks good on the outside.

For so long, I thought living fully meant chasing goals, saying yes to every opportunity, and proving I could handle it all. I didn’t realize that in doing so, I was slowly drifting away from myself—from joy, from peace, from presence.

Now, I know better. I’ve learned that living fully isn’t about packing our schedules or always being productive. It’s about savoring the small, quiet moments. It’s about setting boundaries that protect our time and energy. It’s about choosing purpose over perfection, and presence over pressure.

Here are three tips to help you reflect on how this may show up in your own life:

1. Doing It All Isn’t the Same as Living Fully

There is somewhat of a myth that doing more, having more items on the to-do list, more events on the calendar, combined together equate to a full life. How often do you hear yourself say “I’m so busy!”, wearing it like a badge of honor. When we put this pressure on ourselves to be constantly busy, it can take a toll on our well-being, joy, and ability to be present. Think about a time when you “accomplished everything” but still felt empty.

2. Boundaries Create Space for What Matters

Sometimes we have to learn to just say “no”. Learning to say no (guilt-free) is actually an act of self-respect and clarity. Boundaries aren't about building walls—they're about making room for what truly matters: meaningful relationships, rest, creativity, and peace. What are some things you can say no to right now in order to give yourself the gift of time.

3. Find Joy in the Here and Now

I’m here to remind you that life isn’t always found in the next achievement—it’s happening now. I used to get so caught up in checking things off the to-do list that I missed the opportunity to reflect on what was happening in the present moment. Sometimes just taking a short pause, breathing, and really being there can make all the difference. Think about the last time you rushed through a meal and didn’t even taste the food. Or maybe you were too busy checking your messages while eating that you missed out on an important conversation with loved ones at the dinner table. What are some actions you can take to remind yourself to pause and appreciate the present moment?

There are so many things I wish I’d known sooner in my career. But maybe the most important one is this: You don’t have to earn your rest. You don’t need permission to enjoy your life.

The truth is, we don’t get to rewind time—but we can choose differently moving forward. Living fully isn’t about having it all figured out; it’s about being honest with yourself, making space for what lights you up, and giving yourself permission to enjoy this one precious life. If there's something you've been putting off—rest, joy, presence—let this be your gentle reminder: it’s not too late to begin. Start now. Start small. But start.

-Laura

Live Fully. Love Deeply. Laugh Often.