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I think that the notion of "living in the moment" in the modern world has become a cliche synonymous with living a life of reckless abandon and immediate gratification in an attempt to maximize dopamine production, and I think you correctly identify this interpretation as "motivational-speak nonsense." I believe that this; however, does a great disservice to the incredible value of being present in the moment which involves neither hedonism nor immediate gratification but a sort of patience and increased attention to the now. It is absolutely important to make preparations for the future and to consider current actions in the light of future opportunities, but it is important to do this without foregoing life in the present.

This reminds me of when I was a bit younger and my parents and grandparents would tell my siblings and me to put down our electronic games when we were in the car even if it was a drive down a road in my town that I had been down a hundred times because there is a certain value to resting and observing.

It is interesting how work and hobbies ultimately tie into life's meaning and what one's "life's work" (if they have one) is. This is an interesting way of looking at things. I'm not sure I am totally sold on the point that meaningful actions are only those that contribute to one's life's work, but I would be curious first what you would define as one's life's work. What do you personally mean by that term?

I assumed it would at some point in the conversation, but on the subject of the meaning of life, here is where religion enters for me. Even in the Catholic tradition, there is a certain level of subjectivity and personal interpretation of the meaning of life. I believe that meaning is given, not created by humans, and our lives all have a purpose and which involves certain duties and callings. We are not; however, called to toil away or work until we die pursuing this meaning with full vigor, but a crucial part of life is play and joy and relaxing. Man has been given dominion over creation, but it is profoundly important to enjoy creation. I don't know your religious convictions, but I am curious about your opinion on this view.

Also, in general, this discussion reminded me of this Mark Twain quote: "The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why."