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Sometimes, I find it really challenging to be in the moment—just like many of us do. I can get into a state of flow when I find my rhythm, but those moments often feel few and far between. I get stretched thin, unsure of which direction to turn, and find myself bogged down by the day-to-day struggles of being human in a busy world.
Over time, I’ve learned that when life starts to feel too heavy or complicated, it helps to look for small sparks of light—what I like to call moments of magic. They don’t have to be big or grand. In fact, they’re usually quiet, fleeting glimmers that bring me back to myself.
Sometimes, it’s when my cat curls up next to me and taps my arm for attention—an invitation to pause my thoughts and return to the present. Other times, it’s finally playing the song that’s been looping in my head all day, feeling my body naturally move and sway to the rhythm.
These tiny moments of connection often carry more magic than we realize.
In the midst of everyday chaos, I sometimes find myself yearning for the opposite of what I’m feeling—calm, ease, rest. But often, my nervous system doesn’t have the capacity to be there yet. You might know the feeling: sitting on the couch, scrolling through your phone, telling yourself you’re “resting,” while your mind keeps racing.
In Somatic Experiencing®, this state is sometimes described as a functional freeze. The body looks still on the outside, but inside, the nervous system is still switched on—thinking, solving, doing. It’s not a flaw; it’s your body doing exactly what it’s designed to do: protect and adapt. Over time, though, staying in this mode can feel tiring and stuck.
When I notice this pattern in myself, I try to reach for small comforts—petting my cat, stepping outside, or simply pausing to breathe. These moments might not “fix” anything, but they help me reconnect, one small glimmer at a time.
It’s so easy to rush past moments of joy or wonder. We get caught in the loop of daily responsibilities, to-do lists, and constant stimulation from our screens. Perfectionism and productivity culture can make us believe that if something isn’t “useful,” it isn’t valuable.
How often do we move right past something beautiful—a slant of sunlight, a quiet moment of ease—because we’re already focused on the next task?
Part of rediscovering magic is slowing down enough to notice what’s already there.
Creativity is one of the simplest ways to return to presence. It’s not about creating something polished or “good”—it’s about expressing yourself freely, without judgment.
In art therapy and somatic-based counselling, I often see how colour, movement, or texture can help us access feelings that words can’t reach. Creativity invites curiosity, play, and experimentation—the very things that help us reconnect to ourselves.
For me, I’ve noticed that even my “creative breaks” can sometimes get tangled up with productivity. After five years in private practice, I’ve learned that I can easily turn rest into work—designing, writing, or creating content for my business. While these things are creative, they’re also structured, contained, and focused on outcomes.
What I’ve been working on instead is making more space for unstructured play:
These are small acts of creativity that remind me what it feels like to be alive.
I recently had the privilege of being invited to join one of my closest friends at her retreat in Italy. The idea of going—of taking time for travel, friendship, and adventure—felt both thrilling and polarizing. I was excited, but also aware of the practical realities: client care, responsibilities, and home life (including my sweet cat, London, who’s been navigating health challenges this year).
Travel often magnifies these magical moments because everything feels new. But the same kind of wonder can happen in the everyday—through the laughter of a friend, the warmth of sunlight on your face, or the way your pet leans in closer when you need it most.
Magic doesn’t always require big changes. Sometimes, it’s just noticing what’s already there.
Moments of joy and wonder are more than just nice feelings—they’re powerful reminders of connection and safety. They help regulate our nervous system, offering small doses of calm in the middle of chaos.
These experiences help break the cycle of stress and burnout by inviting play, curiosity, and softness back into our day. They give our minds and bodies a chance to reset—reminding us that even in difficult seasons, small moments of light still exist.
Start small. Magic doesn’t demand grand gestures—it’s in the subtle shifts, the everyday pauses, and the gentle reminders that you’re here, alive, and capable of feeling joy.
Here are a few ways to reconnect with that sense of magic:
Magic often shows up when we stop searching for it.
Magic doesn’t have to be big or rare—it lives in the small, everyday moments we choose to notice. Whether it’s the soft purr of your cat, a song that makes you move, or a glimmer of sunlight through the trees, these moments can gently bring you back to yourself.
In therapy, I often see how these small glimmers become the starting point for deeper healing—reminders that you already hold the capacity for presence, creativity, and connection.
If you’re curious about how therapy can help you reconnect with joy and creativity in your own life, reach out and set up a consultation to learn more.
Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional therapy or medical advice. If you need support, please consult a licensed mental health professional.
