About the Author

Hi there, my name is Olivia Aquilina, and I created this book in a time when I needed it most. Like so many, I experience anxiety, depression, and the daily overstimulation that social media has become.

For months, I was burnt out, overwhelmed, and seeking peace through mental brain rot. I spent my free time lying on the couch, scrolling aimlessly, and feeling guilty for ‘not being productive enough.’ I’d scroll until my phone died, only to look up, see the sun had set, and realize hours had slipped by. This habit grew into a daily routine, and eventually, I was getting neck and back pain from lying down so often. I knew I wanted to make a change, but I lacked motivation and didn’t know where to start.

Then one day, I stumbled across this quote:

“If we cannot enjoy when things are okay, then we are living in a world completely of our imagination.” —Unknown

It struck a chord, so I saved it as my screensaver. Every time I opened my phone, it was a gentle reminder to take a breath and be present. This was the start of my journey toward presence.

I often think about what present-day Olivia would say to past Olivia: “Calm down; everything’s going to work out.” And that thought reminds me that future Olivia would probably tell me the exact same thing.

Being present feels like truly living. I’m fortunate to be surrounded by people who remind me to take a breath, look around, and take it all in. Many of these people likely don’t even realize how they ground me just by being themselves. But it’s in these small moments of awareness (and joy) that I feel a deep sense of gratitude and groundedness.

I’m not saying I’ve given up the habit of doomscrolling, or that I’ve become some expert in staying present throughout the day. I still find myself finishing a meal and realizing I barely tasted it (isn’t it wild that we can forget to experience something that’s right in front of us?). But each moment I do remember to come back to the present, and the further I get in my practice, the more it feels like I’m really living.

I originally created this journal just for myself, setting an intention to truly work on being present. I handwrote daily prompts into a notebook and documented exercises that I felt worked for me. I thought it would be fun to have it printed, just so I could hold something I’d created. Then I realized, why not share this with others? I have never aspired to be an author, nor did I see that in my 2024 bingo card, but I am so grateful to have made PRESENT. This book was a joy to create, and I am so happy it is out in the world.