June 12, 2025 by Glenn Mangurian
We all experience a situation or experience that feels so amazing, surreal, or unexpected that you almost can’t believe it’s actually happening and later question, “Did it really happen?” These are our “pinch me” moments — flashes of joy or awe that stand apart from the ordinary flow of life. The moments prompt us to think that we might need to literally pinch ourselves to make sure we’re not dreaming. Before you read on, reflect on your “pinch me” moments that immediately come to mind.
What unites these experiences is not just their extraordinary nature, but how they temporarily interrupt our routine. We live in a world that often rushes us from one “to do” to another. We are often preoccupied and distracted by emails, social media, news reports, deadlines, and daily responsibilities. All of these can cloud our ability to fully feel and appreciate these unusual life experiences. Cherishing these moments requires an act of resistance against the continuous tide of busyness and the ability to appreciate life’s potential for magic. These moments are easy to overlook. The key to cherishing “pinch me” moments is awareness. That requires presence — being mentally and emotionally in the same place as your body. The beauty of “pinch me” moments lies in their emotional impact.
We know that life won’t always be easy. We’ll face disappointment, loss, and uncertainty. I know from my experience living with paralysis for over 24 years. I’ve experienced a variety of “pinch me” moments that include people I have met and things that have unexpectedly happened. One event that stands out is my meeting with Christopher Reeve. He was very gracious and encouraged me to continue to be active.
I also remember being invited to testify to the Mass Legislature in favor of stem cell research and then becoming the lead story on the evening news and front page of the Boston Globe.
Without both of these pictures I might still believe these were dreams.
When we make a habit of cherishing our “pinch me” moments, we build a storehouse of emotional resilience — a reservoir of strength we can draw upon during harder times. These moments become touchstones of meaning, reminding us that even amid difficulty, life still holds hope and unexpected joy. They inspire us to keep going and to never stop believing that life can surprise us in the best ways.
So take the time. Notice when a quiet voice inside says, “Remember this.” Take mental snapshots. Write them down. Tell someone. Let them remind you of who you are and what matters. Because in the end, it’s not the number of moments we live that defines a life — it’s how deeply we feel the ones that remind us that we truly matter. Cherish your “pinch me” moments. They’re life’s way of whispering, “Yes, this is real. And it’s special and you are special.”