The Present of Presence

The best lessons come from the most difficult trials, the most significant growth from when we’re at our lowest.

When we’re filled with pride, the inevitable fall is hard. And so painful. But with humility comes peace. Yet It never ceases to amaze me that like the monster it is, pride rears its ugly head time and time again.

I have found the one surefire way to stay humble is to be grateful. One cannot be grateful and filled with pride at the same time. It’s like being angry and laughing at the same time. They cannot coexist. The next time you’re angry about something, smile, even if you have to fake it, and see if it doesn’t change your perspective at that exact moment.

When I talk about being grateful, I don’t just mean about the big things that happen during the day. The in-your-face-can’t-miss-it blessings. I’m referring to the little, seemingly insignificant things that oftentimes go unnoticed unless we’re consciously aware of our surroundings. The hundreds of presents given to us daily waiting to be unwrapped, graciously accepted, and savored. All of the ordinary moments that collectively make the day extraordinary.

• The birth of a new day.
• That deep, long inhale, followed by a long cleansing exhale, feeling every muscle relax in the process.
• The sound of laughter.
• That smile from a stranger at that exact moment you needed a smile. And when you didn’t even realize you needed one until you received it.
• A child’s belly laugh.
• That one line in a book that speaks directly to your heart.
• A vibrant red umbrella on a gray, rainy day.

• That magical “I love you” from a loved one.
• That out-of-blue phone call from an old friend, just calling to see how you’ve been.
• The smell of a freshly opened box of crayons.
• The feel of fresh, crisp sheets after a long day.
• The soft hum of the furnace on a cold day.
• Bright stars twinkling in a black velvet sky.

• The comfort of slipping into yoga pants and a sweatshirt after a long day at work.
• Kindness from a stranger.
• That out-of-the-blue scent that transports me back in time to one of my very favorite moments, like the smell of Chantilly that brings my grandmother close again.
• The scent of a balsam pine candle.
• Sea salt caramel gelato.
• Letters written in silver script.
• The warmth of the clothes as they’re pulled from the dryer.

Presents given endlessly, waiting to be discovered. And we can only receive them if we’re present in the moment. Presence. It’s the best present we can give ourselves.