In an interview with People Magazine, the renowned tennis player, Naomi Osaka, discussed the lessons she’s learned and the importance of “living in the moment” and “enjoying the journey.” While these common phrases are often misinterpreted as only applying to a select group of people, I believe that Naomi Osaka’s quote is completely valid in every context and applicable in every situation.
While the audience of People Magazine is generally comfortable and well-off, the quote can especially relate to those in terrible situations. For example, in class, we viewed a photograph of a girl laughing on a swing amid the wreckage of a Sudanese refugee camp. This photo is powerful as it shows that even in some of the most dire circumstances a person can be in, happiness is still possible. In fact, I argue that it is more crucial to “live in the moment” and enjoy the present in these situations, as we don’t know what will happen next. The girl in the photo may have lost her loved ones and seen the worst that humanity has to offer. But she is still openly laughing at something as small as a swing. “Living in the moment” is not about always feeling joy. Instead, it means acknowledging the emotion you are feeling and trying to make the best of every situation.
Naomi Osaka’s program to empower girls through sport is a perfect example of “enjoying the journey.” Girls have been discriminated in many athletic activities for most of history. Osaka’s initiative seeks to inspire confidence in girls who may not have it and ensure that they do not forget how far they have come. It is not just in sports where that is true. Doing a hobby or activity that makes one happy is an example of enjoying the journey. Once again, this quote does not mean you must feel joy at all times or you must force an emotion that is not there. The “journey” that Osaka is referring to will inevitably have hardships and setbacks, but it will have joy as well. “Enjoying the journey” means appreciating everything you have gone through and being proud of yourself that you are still standing. Naomi Osaka is a world-renowned tennis champion, so she has definitely faced her share of challenges. That is why when she says she “enjoys the journey”, I know that she doesn’t just mean all the good things life has to offer, she also includes the obstacles and how she overcame them.
“Living in the moment” is also about finding joy in the small moments of life. These do not have to be expensive hobbies, such as playing an instrument or traveling. Instead, these are the everyday moments that have an impact on you. Small moments such as seeing a sunrise, laughing with your friends at lunchtime, or seeing the stars on a clear night. All of these are examples of everyday joys, and they are different for everyone. While I, an upper-middle-class high school student in the U.S., find a small moment of happiness in taking a nap after school on a Friday, another girl, my age, living in the Gaza Strip, may find a small joy in looking up at the moon and appreciating a quiet night. My point is, everybody has their own struggles, so we can either go through life complaining about our circumstances, or we can learn to find happiness where we can and make do with what we have.
Naomi Osaka’s quote is true in every situation. From the most war-torn village to living in a mansion in Beverly Hills, humans are wired to find happiness everywhere. In the words of Amanda Gorman, “there is always light, if only you are brave enough to see it.” Living in the moment does not have to apply to a utopian world, because everyone can live in the moment; we just find joy in different things. We can all “enjoy the journey” if we acknowledge that the journey is different for everyone and the journey is not always full og joy. We do not know what tomorrow will look like, but living in the moment helps us keep a positive outlook on life and get through anything.
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In an interview with People Magazine, renowned tennis player Naomi Osaka discussed the lessons she’s learned and the importance of “living in the moment” and “enjoying the journey.” While these phrases are often seen as clichés or reserved for the privileged, Osaka’s words hold universal truth. Her message applies to everyone—no matter their background, circumstances, or struggles.
Although People Magazine’s audience may be generally well-off, Osaka’s philosophy resonates especially with those facing adversity. In class, we examined a photograph of a young girl laughing on a swing amid the wreckage of a Sudanese refugee camp. The image is powerful because it reveals that even in the direst conditions, joy can still exist. In fact, in moments of uncertainty, living in the present becomes even more vital. The girl may have lost her loved ones and witnessed unimaginable suffering, yet she smiles—finding comfort in something as simple as a swing. “Living in the moment” isn’t about constant joy; it’s about acknowledging one’s emotions and finding meaning in each experience, no matter how painful.
Osaka’s initiative to empower girls through sport is another expression of “enjoying the journey.” Throughout history, girls have faced discrimination and exclusion in athletics. By inspiring confidence and creating opportunities, Osaka reminds them to recognize their progress and value their growth. This mindset extends beyond sports—any pursuit that brings fulfillment embodies the spirit of enjoying the process. To “enjoy the journey” is not to ignore hardship, but to embrace it as part of one’s story. As a world-renowned athlete, Osaka understands that success is built on both triumphs and obstacles. When she speaks of joy, she includes the strength earned from perseverance.
“Living in the moment” also means appreciating life’s small, everyday joys. These do not require wealth or luxury. They may appear in a sunrise, a shared laugh with friends, or a quiet moment beneath a starry sky. For me, an upper-middle-class student in the U.S., happiness might be a Friday afternoon nap after a long week. For a girl my age living in the Gaza Strip, it might be looking up at the moon and savoring a rare moment of peace. Everyone experiences struggle differently, but we all have the power to seek light in small places. We can choose to dwell on what we lack—or to notice what we have.
Ultimately, Naomi Osaka’s message is universal. From a war-torn village to a mansion in Beverly Hills, people can discover meaning and hope in their circumstances. As poet Amanda Gorman reminds us, “There is always light, if only you are brave enough to see it.” Living in the moment does not require perfection; it simply asks us to be present and grateful. Enjoying the journey means recognizing that joy and struggle coexist, and both shape who we become. We cannot predict tomorrow, but by embracing today, we cultivate resilience, gratitude, and peace.
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