Mindful Presence

I have done a lot work over the last few years on myself through coaching and mindfulness.

One of the most powerful and positive impacts has been on my relationships.

I thought I was a pretty good parent and wife before.

My kids turned out pretty well.

I have stayed married for 27 years.

We had good times and great times and not so good times and bad times.

But I also saw parenting as a lot of work. And I “worked” at my marriage.

I didn’t often pause and be present and fully enjoy the incredible moments along the way.

I used to look ahead and behind- all the time.

Physicians are trained to do this.

And I had high expectations for everyone and everything - vacations, my children, holidays, date night...

I put so much effort and love in - the outcome should reflect that.

This was true at work also.

I used to think it was my job to influence outcomes.

I would tried to control things that were out of my control.

Especially for those I love.

Mindfulness and coaching have changed me and have changed life for those around me.

When you change yourself everything changes.

We are ALL enjoying the journey more. Especially me.

What’s important is still getting done.

There is more energy and time for connection and forward movement. When given space, magical things start to emerge and happen,

and you notice and experience them.

The little things become amazing.

When you pause and are present for all the moments- the good and the bad you notice and fully experience all the moments.

The beauty is in the journey.

I have stopped trying to fix everything for everyone.

I am the only one responsible for my happiness.

I can use my voice to ask for what I want and to share my wisdom but I am no longer attached to the outcome.

I remain perfectly imperfect at all this.

I am very much a work in progress as are my loved ones.

But what a difference mindful presence makes.

When I show up for my relationships with less expectation and non judgement,

Not trying to control,

everyone else around me starts to show up this way too.

When I pause and am present in the moment, I have more energy, there is more connection and joy, and I feel so much more abundant.

So much can change without anyone or anything outside of me actually having to change.