The surprising gift of limited time

It’s hard to believe, but we’ve already been in Montenegro for a month. A whole month of living a digital nomad life — settling into routines, creating new rituals, carrying over some old ones into our new home, and filling our days with new memories and connections.

And looking back, I realized something: in just a few weeks, we’ve lived more fully than we did in the past year. We’ve hiked mountains, taken boat trips, met wonderful new people, and become part of a like-minded community. For the kids, this month has been especially full — weekly field trips, new activities like sailing and martial arts, and friendships with children from all over the world. It’s giving them so many more memories, new experiences, and perspectives. My son even announced he wants to learn French now because some of his new friends speak it. On top of that, we’re learning a new culture ourselves, picking up bits of the language, and finding joy in the everyday discoveries.

Of course, part of it is the excitement of being somewhere new, and part of it is the support that comes with traveling the way we are — having structures, opportunities, and a built-in community around us makes it easier to dive in.

But it’s also the awareness that this season is temporary. We only have three months here — and knowing that makes us lean in more. We say yes more often. We go out of our way to make memories.

It made me think: what changes when we know time is limited?

So often in everyday life, we push things off. “I’ll do it later. I still have time.” And then weeks, months, even years pass by without us ever doing the thing we wanted.

But when you know you only have three months in a place, or a week left on vacation, or even one evening with a friend you don’t see often… suddenly, you act differently. You pay attention. You savor. You show up more fully.

And it got me wondering: what if we brought that mindset into our everyday lives? What if instead of waiting for “someday,” we started living with a little more urgency, a little more presence, a little more yes?

One question that helps me is this:
✨ What have I been saying “I’ll get to later” that actually matters to me?

But asking the question is just the start. The harder part is creating a sense of urgency when life feels open-ended. A few things that help:

⭐ Give it a deadline. Even if it’s self-imposed. “I’ll plan that dinner with friends by the end of the week.” “I’ll sign up for that class before Friday.” Timeframes create momentum.

⭐ Shrink it down. Big dreams feel easier to postpone. Small actions — sending one message, doing five minutes of something — can happen today.

⭐ Tie it to your values. Remind yourself why it matters. If it connects to your health, joy, relationships, or growth, it’s worth moving up on the list.

Because here’s the truth: we don’t need to be living abroad or on vacation to make life feel full. We can choose to show up for what matters, right where we are.

Here’s to a little more urgency, a little more presence, and a little more yes.

With love, Khalida

🌿 I’d love for these reflections to reach more people who might need them. If someone comes to mind, consider forwarding this their way.