The Present of Being Present

It’s Thanksgiving in a few days! I can’t wait to be surrounded by my family, eating delicious food, talking and reminiscing. I’m excited to hear about what is everyone up to in their lives. Even though we all talk often, there’s something about sitting around the table for this holiday that allows everyone to truly share and celebrate one another.

I was thinking about presents, yes holiday shopping has already begun, and I realized the best gift I can give myself (and I’m pretty sure all of you) is the gift of simply being present. 

At the table in a few days, instead of stressing if my apple pie turned out perfectly or looking around to see if we need to refill the gravy boats or fretting about my inbox piling up with emails while I’m away, I am just going to sit at that table, look around at the many blessings in my life and be present in that moment and that day.

When my kids were little, going out and having family days and doing things just the four of us were some of my most treasured times. It’s hard to stop and just play with the kids or take a day off work when there is an endless list of things to do, but being present for them when they need it most is so valuable. Now that our kids are grown, our time together is shorter, so being present is even more important. No checking the voicemail at dinner or scheduling meetings on a weekend when they are in town.

My husband and I recently went on vacation and I mixed in two television appearances while on the trip. 7 planes in 12 days. No joke! I could have done a better job of being more present in the times we had on our trip when I wasn’t working, but my mind was racing. I work to navigate a combination of business and personal travel, but this time unexpected things came up in TV appearance opportunities and I said yes, with the support of my husband. Our vacation was a bit more sporadic with business time and vacation time and the big takeaway was being present everywhere and in every moment.  

We are all busy and it’s the holiday season that gives us a chance to stop and reconnect with people. If it is business, personal, both, have that cup of coffee or tea in person or virtually and be present. As I was recently sitting by a pool while my Michael was on the golf course, I enjoyed that cup of coffee virtually with a girlfriend. We spent close to an hour catching up, talking about plans for the holidays and plans to get together for girltime. By being present I was creating a present of girltime.  

Give yourself the present of being present. 

Lessen the stress and enjoy the day or the moment. 

Let it soak in. 

 As always, I like to say what I am grateful for this year and, of course, family and friends are at the top of the list. I am also grateful for my health and the health of my family, a growing business, wonderful clients and a fantastic support team, colleagues and mentors that never cease to amaze me with their wisdom and resources and of course, the simple and joyful moments in every day. 

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! 

Ivy