Ever had a word of the year?
My husband recently reminded me that I chose “present” three years in a row. Here is the thing, though. When you are on the flywheel of life, often operating under a time deficit, being present is nearly impossible.
I generally consider myself a happy person, yet not having enough time creates its own problems. Excessive multitasking, lack-of-sleep brain fog, racing thoughts, and an increasingly short fuse make presence feel out of reach.
When I think back to earlier seasons of my life, joy and fulfillment came easily when my world revolved around one clear priority. Life had fewer layers then, and that simplicity made presence feel natural. I vividly remember how electrifying it felt to spend my 20s in NYC working in the movie industry. I also remember the moments when presence felt far away, such as stepping into leadership and experiencing a second wave of working-parent burnout.
As I got older, the most meaningful moments were the ones that created space for something new. A company owner once gave me unlimited time off when my son was unexpectedly hospitalized. Later, a new boss adjusted my start date and schedule so I could pursue my coach training. They created the room I needed to adapt to my current season of life and the values I wanted to uphold.
Change is inevitable. I resisted this truth for years but have learned that the incremental adjustments we make in how we live are what allow fulfillment and presence to grow. Those small shifts prepared me for the life I have now.
Today marks the one-year birthday of my LLC, and I can truly say I have never been happier. The thing about saying that in your 40s is the nuance behind it. I am wiser and more experienced, of course, but also more aware of the high highs and low lows that life inevitably brings. I am doing work I feel meant for without sacrificing the quality or quantity of time with my family. I am present with my family without sacrificing my professional dreams.
Never been happier today means being entirely present in the life I chose. I can do that in part because of this community. My hope is that you are able to build a life where you feel present and fulfilled, both at work and at home. Thank you for helping me reach this beautiful stage of my life.