“You will get there.
But right now, you are here.
And here is a wonderful place to start.” – Elle Luna

Dear friend,
I would say this quote is a gentle reminder to embrace where I am in life, no matter how far away my dreams or goals may seem. It speaks to the power of the present moment—the fact that growth, change, and enjoy all begin right here. Many times, we get so caught up in the destination, in the “where we’re going,” that we forget the journey is built on the steps we take now.

The “here” represents more than just a location. It’s the circumstances, the mindset, and the reality we’re facing at this moment. It could be a place of confusion, failure, joy, or anticipation. Wherever you are right now is a crucial part of who you will become. Sometimes, people overlook how valuable the present experience is, always thinking “I will be happy when I get there,” or “I’ll be successful when I achieve X.” But here—right where you are—is where the seeds of that success are planted.

I remember when I was in my early twenties, trying to figure out my career path. I wanted to be someone influential, to have a deep impact on others. I looked at mentors, successful professionals, and social influencers who had their lives seemingly “together,” and felt lost in comparison. I often found myself saying, “If only I had their opportunities, their resources, then I’d be where I want to be.”

But there was a moment of clarity when I realized that I had a wealth of experiences in the here—in the small moments, the struggles, and even the mistakes—that could guide me. In my quest for something big, I had ignored the potential in my current reality. It wasn’t about waiting until I was “perfect” or had it all figured out. It was about learning, growing, and embracing where I was at this very moment. And that shift in perspective changed everything.

Dear friend,
You’re not running out of time. You’re not behind. The world often paints a picture of “success” that is linear or instant, but that is a mirage. The reality is that life is non-linear, full of detours, but rich with growth in every experience. So, wherever you are—whether you feel stuck, uncertain, or unsure—this is the beginning of your wisdom. This is your moment to learn, to pause, and to understand that the journey itself is just as important as the destination.

Use your “here” wisely. Ask questions, fail forward, be kind to yourself, and learn from every encounter. Don’t rush to the finish line. The path itself is where life’s beauty resides.

When you look back, you’ll see that all those moments of “being here” formed the foundation of the person you became. And when you finally get there, you’ll realize that here was the most important place to start.

With love,

Little-pencil