Being Present - Taking Time to Be Grateful
Lately I’ve been doing a lot of future thinking about professional goals, the direction of my business and in general what it is I want out of life. This thinking hasn’t left me much time to recognize and be appreciative of all that I have around me right now. I’ve been very focused on “more”. This afternoon I went from being uninspired to write a blog post, to finding inspiration in all that I have right in front of me. My newsletter this month was about being present, and one of the tips I provided was taking time to be thankful. To look around and notice all that I have already and know that it’s enough and exactly what I need now. So I take this time now to be grateful for the following:
- A fun-loving, smart, handsome, “handy around the house” and exceptionally supportive husband.
- The opportunity to follow my professional dreams, and work on them outside on my back deck.
- For the new friends I’ve made over the past couple of years, and for the friends I’ve had since kindergarten who are still there when I need them (here’s to you Kelly!)
- A family I enjoy spending time with.
- My health
There’s plenty more where that came from, but for now it’s what I hold near and dear.
What are you grateful for in your life? And how often do you take the time to be grateful for all of it? Admittedly I could do it more often, and I’m glad I thought to do it today.
Being present, in the moment, and grateful for what we have - all important stuff that I sometimes miss. Just last weekend, I found myself thinking about work a bit too much - when I should have been outside playing with my kids. Once I realized this, and then did it, I just felt much more connected to them. And, it was because I was in the moment. I wasn’t focused on anything else. I’m just putting this all together after reading here, so thank you Stacey! Now, on to what I am grateful for:
- my wife, who is fun and take great care of me and our family. And who wears her heart on her sleeve - I learn much from her
- my children. They are joy in my life (usually). They make me feel young and alive.
- writing. Through writing, I feel connected to my soul.
- friends. Friends, old and new, make life a grand experience.
- health. Being healthy has become an integral part of my life, and having lived a less that stellar lifestyle, I appreciate my health everyday.
- home. I am grateful for having a home that is safe and nurturing.
I know I copied a couple of yours Stacey,, but yours were really good - and I really am grateful for them as well. That you get to work from your deck is awesome - it’s a goal of mine to get there someday…
Have a great weekend!
Your last newsletter really spoke to me, so much that I have the Churchill quote up in my cube. I’ve been in such a funk since my husband was laid off the for the second time in a year, and have been struggling with being present. I worry too much about the future and need to just remember what I HAVE.
- A wonderful and supporting husband who deals with my ups and downs with a smile and a good attitude
- A house we bought and took so much time and effort to renovate, a work in progress still, but a love.
-My friends and family all have their health and that is truly special
-Hobbies like golf and photography, things that bring me such happiness
Thanks for the post Stacey!
Amys last blog post..The highlight of my weekend
Stacey,
Your timing for this post today couldn’t have been at a better time. I needed the reminder to ‘be present’.
Thanks for this!
Being present sounds so simple but in this life becomes complicated at times. I am most present when skiing or mountain biking. It is refreshing to just be in the moment making the next turn or jumping over the next log.
I am fortunate to have many of the same things to be grateful for as you. Most recently I have felt thankful for a group of business women who support me personally and professionally no matter if I am “on” or having a bad day.
Great posts and here to being in the moment more often.
kbk
@ Lance - not a problem to copy and it’s great you had the realization about work vs your kids. Writing - that’s a good one, it does help you connect in to the soul, doesn’t it?
@ Amy - losing a job is definitely stressful - I’ve been there back when I was single and in my own apartment. it wasn’t an easy time for me at all. We automatically go to devastation, when sometimes thinking about right now helps us keep things in check and create appropriate plans. Good luck to him - let me know if I can help.
@Jeff - Glad I could help!!
@ KBK - absolutely difficult. Requires practice, too. If you’re not present when skiing or biking disaster can occur - better to enjoy it as you say! Those women sound great.
I tend to beat myself up a lot lately for being depressed and lazy…but I realize, also, that I can be incredibly grateful that I’m able to work on myself in relative comfort, with supportive friends and family, in generally good health.
Hi Stacey,
I’m late on this post but It really speaks to me as I am really trying hard to live in the moment more and more. I am such a global thinker that it isn’t easy. I find that trying to live an attitude of gratitude really doe help a lot though. Nice post~!
Wendi Kelly-Life’s Little Inspirationss last blog post..Changing Colors