Photographer and Breath Work Teacher Jamie Lovelynn Reminds Us to Live in the Moment

As summer shifts to fall, I notice the changes. The crisp morning air. The town settling into its rhythm of the school year. I ask myself, What routine do I want to fall into? Will I simply fill my days with to-do lists, or will I choose to make space for what makes me feel alive?

While smelling a rose on The Strand recently, I wondered, Does everyone here know how magical these roses are? Each color, a unique scent palette. In that pause, time slows and my awe for life returns all over again.

When I’m on vacation, I naturally cherish the moments. I feel lit up from within—laughing more, noticing every color in the sunset sky, savoring each sip of coffee, opening to new connections. But real life gets busy, and sometimes I find myself skipping the small joys—putting my feet in the sand or watching the sunset from the pier—moments I treasured when I first moved here. I realize my inner spark dims if I don’t tend to it. It’s not about doing more but being more present.

With intention, I’ve learned I can turn ordinary moments into magical moments.

A red light can be a moment to breathe—five counts in, 10 counts out—instead of checking my phone. Folding laundry can be a time to make a mental gratitude list. Cooking can be a time to play my favorite songs and sing out loud. Looking up from my phone can make space to connect with a friend walking by. A drive home can include a little turn just to look out at the expansive ocean.

It’s pausing for the simple moments: feeling the warmth of the sun on my skin, watching the butterflies play among the flowers at the end of 12th Street and looking into the eyes of someone I love. It’s also tuning inward and asking, How do I feel? What do I truly need right now? And opening my heart even more.

The to-do list will never be done. But what if we decided these magical moments deserved a place on the list too—maybe even at the very top? Because feeling joy and fulfillment matters.

What lights you up? What will you prioritize this fall? By choosing even one, we feel alive again and the magic returns.

Here’s my invitation: Let’s make moments magical. One moment at a time. One breath at a time.