One of my favorite things to do is go on car drives or walks while listening to music and looking at the beautiful nature around us.
No matter where I’m headed, there’s always beauty in the journey. Throughout my life, I’ve had the gift of traveling-whether across the state, the nation, or even different parts of the world, and there’s always beauty to be found in every road you take.
I believe this reflects one of life’s most important lessons: finding beauty in the journey.
In today’s world, everything moves so fast. We have so many distractions and a million things pulling us in different directions, and we often take the beauty of a journey for granted.
“Be where your feet are.”
This quote hangs on my prayer board and fills the pages of my journal. It’s a daily reminder to slow down and truly experience the moment I’m in.
I’m guilty myself. Growing up, I always kept myself busy, and my mom constantly reminded me to “slow down.” She was right, we all just need to slow down.
It reminds me of one of my favorite songs, “Things That Matter” by Josiah Queen:
“Slow me down, this world is moving faster,
But I don’t want to miss the things that matter.”
It’s a reminder that even though the world moves fast, the journey is in our hands- to slow down and take in what matters most.
These quotes and sayings flow through my mind often, reminding me to be present and enjoy the journey.
It takes me back to high school. Everyone always says high school will be the fastest four years. As an incoming freshman, I didn’t believe this. I thought high school would drag on and feel like the opposite of the fastest four years.
Turns out, I was so wrong. Four years flew by, but I’m forever grateful for the memories and people who filled my journey.
The decision was up to me throughout high school- to slow down with all the business and enjoy the journey and the people around me. By slowing down, I was able to make genuine connections with the teachers, friends, and people who make my village.
I was able to “be where my feet were” and live in the moment without constantly thinking about what was next. I’m forever grateful younger Lauren took her mom’s advice to “slow down” and take in the things that matter.
I found the beauty in all the parts of my journey by doing so.
No matter our age or stage in life, it’s important to find the beauty in our journey. Every season brings new people, moments, and beauty, but each one holds moments worth noticing. When we slow down and pay attention, we start to see how even small experiences shape us.
Life will always move fast, but we don’t have to. We can choose to step off the gas, slow down, notice what’s around us, and find beauty in the journey. Just like on those long car rides, the beauty is already there, we just have to look.
Finding beauty in every step,
Lauren Argotte
2025-2026 Indiana FFA State Secretary
