A health scare with my 14½-year-old soul dog, Kilo, forced me to slow down, face some things I didn't want to face, and admit something I don't say easily: I need help. What followed taught me a little more about vulnerability, mortality, and the strength it takes to let people in.

We spend so much of our lives rushing toward the next thing that we sometimes miss the life happening right in front of us. Here's why slowing down, being present, and learning to truly experience the moment may be one of the most overlooked parts of wellness.