After a magical Broadway show, I found myself wandering through the bright lights of Times Square—a place that never sleeps—yet I was about to experience a moment of profound stillness. I stopped, put my arms out, and closed my eyes.
I hadn’t lost my mind. Quite the opposite. I was taking a moment to soak it all in.
I had achieved my dream job, working for a magazine in New York City. That magazine had sent me to see a handful of Broadway shows that summer as part of the gig. I got to enjoy the performances and then write about the dancers in the show.
My cozy Hell’s Kitchen apartment was just a few blocks away, a short stroll from the dazzling theaters of Broadway.
In that instant, the world seemed perfect—my dream job, a chic city apartment, and a life that felt like it had leaped right off the pages of a storybook. Everything was buzzing around me, and I wanted to remember that magical feeling of accomplishment for the rest of my life.
Mind you, this was before you could record a video on your camera. I had to remember it on my own. So I stopped. And I felt it. I let the sounds of Times Square penetrate my mind. I felt the rush of the city around me. I celebrated my accomplishment of kicking off my career so fashionably and my luck in landing such a trendy apartment.
It felt like life couldn’t get any better, and I knew I had to anchor that feeling deep within me—a mental keepsake for the years ahead. I wanted to show my gratitude to the universe.
And to this day, I can still close my eyes and conjure up that same feeling, no matter where I am. It makes me so happy that I took that moment to ensure I soaked it all in.
Why Emotional Intelligence Makes These Moments Last
That night in Times Square wasn’t just about celebrating a milestone—it was an act of emotional intelligence. I didn’t know it then, but what I was practicing was self-awareness, emotional regulation, and gratitude—three key skills that help us navigate both personal and professional success.
1. Self-Awareness Helps You Recognize Moments That Matter
Self-awareness is the foundation of emotional intelligence. It helps you tune into your emotions, recognize what’s meaningful, and stay present in your experiences. In Times Square, my self-awareness allowed me to realize, This is a moment I want to remember forever.
Without that awareness, I might have rushed home, scrolled through my phone, or gotten distracted by the next thing on my to-do list—completely missing the magic of what I had accomplished.
2. Emotional Regulation Lets You Be Fully Present
In today’s world, when something exciting happens, our instinct is often to capture it on our phones. But sometimes, the act of documenting a moment pulls us out of experiencing it. Studies show that when we rely on pictures or videos, we remember less because our brain assumes the photo will do the remembering for us.
That night, instead of seeking external validation—by taking a picture or texting someone—I chose to regulate my impulse to do something and instead let myself just be in the moment. That’s emotional intelligence at work.
3. Gratitude Deepens Your Connection to Success
When we take time to acknowledge our achievements—whether it’s landing a dream job, moving to a new city, or even just making it through a tough week—we reinforce our confidence and resilience. That’s why gratitude is such a powerful part of emotional intelligence.
That night in Times Square, I didn’t just celebrate outwardly; I felt my gratitude deeply. I acknowledged how far I had come and silently thanked the universe for the opportunity.
To this day, when I need a confidence boost or a reminder of what I’m capable of, I return to that moment. That’s the power of emotional intelligence—it helps you store up resilience for the road ahead.
How to Soak in Your Own Milestones Using EQ
Emotional intelligence isn’t just about managing difficult emotions—it’s also about fully experiencing the good ones. Here’s how you can start building these EQ skills in your own life:
1. Hit Pause: Embrace the Present Moment
The next time you find yourself in a moment that feels special—whether it’s big or small—stop what you’re doing. Resist the urge to grab your phone. Close your eyes if you can, and let yourself truly feel everything around you. The sights, the sounds, the emotions—let them sink in.
2. Engage All Your Senses
When you want to remember a moment, don’t just look at it—experience it. Listen to the sounds, breathe in the scents, notice the textures. The more senses you engage, the more vivid the memory will be.
3. Practice Gratitude in Real-Time
In those peak life moments, take a second to acknowledge how far you’ve come. Say a silent “thank you” to the universe, to yourself, or to whoever has helped you along the way. This small act of gratitude can deepen your connection to the moment.
4. Reflect Later, Not in the Moment
Instead of trying to process everything right then and there, just live it. Later, when you have a quiet moment, think back and reflect. Journal about it, talk it over with a friend, or simply relive it in your mind. This way, you get to savor the experience twice.
Letting these moments truly resonate can transform the way you experience life. So, next time you find yourself in a moment worth remembering, don’t just capture it—live it fully.
By developing your emotional intelligence, you not only enrich your memories but also build the confidence, resilience, and self-awareness needed for a thriving career and independent life.
Want to take the next step? Download our free guide, "Unlocking Your Path to Independence," and start building the life you deserve.
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