It’s 8:32am and I’ve already been awake for over two hours. Feeding tiny mouths, cleaning up the house, folding mountains of laundry, and reviewing the endless “to do” list for the day that I’ll attempt to tackle when my kids finally (hopefully) nap.
This was me a year ago. Working from home (when I could) with a newborn and a two-year-old in tow, all while trying to figure out how to make it all work.
Only to wake up and do it again the next day…
So much of this season of my life feels functional. Doing something for someone to make their life better or at least get to the next step. Sometimes that’s making a meal that will be consumed faster than it takes to create. Sometimes that’s pausing a reading the same book to an eager little mind for the third time in a row. And sometimes it’s simply accepting the endless cycle of “cleaning up” that is enviable when you manage tiny humans. This is the beauty and monotony of parenthood.
While I was enjoying so much of this precious season of raising my little ones, I was constantly tired, frustrated, and disappointed that I couldn't get more done in each day (yes, I’ll be the first to admit that there’s a little…errrr…a lot of “Type A” in me!)
When I showed up to mom’s groups or play dates, I began to recognize a deep need inside me for belonging and affirmation that I wasn’t alone (especially in the lonely moments that most working-from-home parents experience).
While my overall presence was positive, my spirit was craving something more. Something deeper.
Craving More
Have you ever felt happy, but not fulfilled? Like you were showing up to your life in the only way you knew how, but still not getting what you needed?
Think about how you responded the last time someone asked “How are you doing?”
How honest were you?
Did you really tell them?
Did you make the time?
How are you really doing?
Take a moment to check in with yourself now and name at least three emotions that are really present for you now.
It’s all too easy to present a persona that looks fine on the outside, but is craving something more on the inside.
This month, many people will be dressing up, putting on masks, and pretending to be someone else. But are you doing that in your typical life – hiding what you really, truly want and just making it work, even when it’s not?
You were made for more, my friend.
How You Show Up Matters
Did you know that one of the most contagious things in the world is actually your mood?
How you show up matters.
Your presence – the way you impact the environment you’re in because YOU are there, and the way others experience you – defines your life and your relationships.
Your sense of presence defines not only how others perceive you, but also how you feel. Take a moment to reflect on these questions as you think about how you’re showing up.
When your friends, family, colleagues, and strangers interact you, what do they experience?
How would someone describe your presence now? Peaceful and focused or frantic and rushed?
What do you want others to experience when they are in your presence?
Now set a timer for two minutes and respond to the following question:
When I walk into a room, I want others to remember me for my…
Really dig deep here and take time to reflect on who you want to BE, not just what you need to DO.
Being Present. Embodying Presence.
Growing up, my worth was often defined by how much I accomplished – good grades turned into attending a premier college that propelled me into graduate school and a stable career. It wasn’t until I started really considering what life held for me, and what I felt called to contribute, that I took the courageous leap to step outside this chosen path and purse the messy, crazy life of an entrepreneur.
I had to first get present and honest with myself to determine what type of presence I wanted to have with others.
Fast forward to present day. Running two businesses and creating a community of connection and support at The Makers Place™ has been one of the most fulfilling and all-consuming experiences of my life.
Yes, I still have days where I feel frazzled as I barely am catching up with the urgency that managing a complex business requires, on top of family demands and daily life stuff. But I’m fueled with a deeper sense of purpose that wasn’t there before.
