Purposeful Presence
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 few years 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…
Maybe you can relate…
Now parenting three young children while running two businesses, 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 am enjoying so much of this precious season of raising my little ones, I am also constantly tired, frustrated, and disappointed that I can't seem get more done in each day (although I’ve made temporary peace with this and accepted my FOMO, turning it into JOMO).
In my early years of parenthood, I showed up to mom’s groups and play dates where I began to recognize a deep need inside me for belonging and an 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?
Or out of habit, did you respond: “I’m so busy” or maybe defaulting to the commonly over-used “I’m fine”?
It’s all too easy to present a persona that looks fine on the outside, but is craving something more on the inside.
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.
Exhausted
Peaceful
Rushed
Hopeful
Stuck…
What are you craving more of (or less of) now?
You were made for more, my friend.
You are called to live a bold, beautiful, and amazing life (yes, even with the endless piles of laundry and sinks full of dishes included in this season)
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, then let this define what you need to DO. And if you’re still feeling a little lost or stuck and need some guidance, you can start here!
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, less-secure 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 multiple businesses while 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 – especially working full-time as a Preschool Director!
Yes, I still have days where I feel frazzled as I barely am catching up with the urgency that managing complex businesses requires on top of family demands and daily life stuff. But I’m fueled with a deeper sense of purpose now as I live out my calling.
What’s the purpose that drives your presence?
