Can I really work from the pool?
Presence is a practice
On Wednesday, I decided to work from the pool. I did two calls, wrote for a client, and answered emails between dipping into chilly water, chatting with friends, and reapplying SPF 70 & 50… because I want to keep my skin.
I enjoyed the day, but not as much as I thought I would because I wasn’t THERE. Not really, anyway.
I was trying to blend what I naturally do at a pool (swim, read, sun, catch up on podcasts and music) with things I naturally do at a desk (capture a client’s identity to inform voice, strategy, and content).
This exemplifies so much of what I see in my community of peers, clients, friends, and family:
We’re distracted all the time. We’re always fitting in one more thing, stacking our habits (don’t get me started about self-help books on this topic), and optimizing our behaviors to get THE ULTIMATE RESULTS.
It’s so exhausting that our downtime is consumed with scrolling on our phones and escaping through habits, vices, and so much self-care that it’s not care at all.
What if the ultimate result is being where our feet are?
Relishing our coffees. Watching the butterflies dance on flower tips. Listening deeply to our clients so they can get to the crux of their challenges and explore them. Allowing our kids, siblings, and friends to have our undivided attention. Connecting and making a difference in the larger world by being present to dismantle, inch by inch, the things that crush us.
Experiencing now instead of maximizing it.
This kind of presence takes practice. We don’t arrive there.
We have to notice where our attention goes time and again, even when we don’t want to notice. This is a rest-of-our-lives thing, not something we beat ourselves up for because we’ve not yet mastered it.
Presence takes slowing wayyyyyy down — to the point that we’re uncomfortable because our default status (and therefore what our bodies and minds crave) is the rush of what’s next.
Life is sometimes great, and sometimes not. I used to think I just wanted to be present for the great moments, but now I know that it is the daily practice of being present for ALL the moments that allows me to experience a full, rich life.
I hope you allow yourself to slow down and be present today, just as it is.
Let me know what you notice.
xox,
Michelle
P.S. I’ve slowed down enough to realize that I am shifting how I show up in the world. I’d be interested in speaking with YOU about your experience with me, where your energy is currently flowing, and how you’re pursuing what matters to you. If you can spare 20 minutes for me, let’s chat.
Beautiful photo from the talented By Jacqui Photo. We had a great time on this shoot — 100% presence from both of us & it was awesome!
Use Your Voice.
If you’re ready to deeply understand who you are now, get clarity on what makes you different and unique, and become confident using your voice consistently and coherently with stories that align with your identity and strategy? Let’s chat.
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Presence is a practice. We have finite time, be here for it.
