"乗っている間は楽しむことです。"

Life is a journey, and it’s all about enjoying the moments as they come. The core idea here is simple: live in the present and savor the experience. We often get caught up in worrying about the future or regretting the past, but the real magic happens when we embrace the now.

This idea can be appreciated even more when we think about its historical context. Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple, said this during one of his interviews. Jobs wasn’t just talking about enjoying successes; he had a life full of ups and downs, including being fired from his own company. Through it all, he learned the importance of cherishing the moment regardless of its nature.

To paint a clearer picture, let’s look at a practical example. Imagine you’re on a road trip. The destination might be a stunning beach, but the journey is filled with beautiful landscapes, quirky roadside diners, and unexpected detours. If you’re too focused on just getting to the beach, you miss out on all the fun and little adventures along the way. Maybe you find a hidden waterfall or meet interesting people at a small-town café. These moments add richness to the trip. They’re what you’ll remember and talk about years later—not just the final day at the beach.

So how do you apply this wisdom to your daily life? Start by being present. It's easy to say, but harder to practice. When you’re having dinner with friends, put your phone away and really listen to the conversation. When you’re working on a project, instead of stressing about the deadline, immerse yourself in the creative process. Enjoy the little victories. Celebrate them. It’s not about ignoring your goals; it’s about appreciating the steps you take to reach them.

Here’s a relatable scenario to bring it home. Think about a recent family gathering. You might have been worried about the food, the decorations, or making sure everyone was entertained. But then your little niece tells a silly joke that has everyone in stitches. In that moment, all your worries fade away. You’re just there, laughing with your family, feeling the warmth and connection. That’s what it means to enjoy the ride. It's those spontaneous, heartfelt moments that make life wonderful.

There’s no perfect way to navigate life. We all have our own set of challenges and joys. But if we focus too much on the ‘destination’—whether that’s a job promotion, a relationship milestone, or some other goal—we risk missing out on the beautiful, unpredictable, and often messy experiences that happen along the way.

So, next time you find yourself overly focused on where you want to be, take a deep breath. Look around. Notice the small things—the way the sun feels on your face, the laughter of a child, the satisfaction of completing a small task. These are the things that make up the ride. And the ride, as it turns out, is the best part.