The Gift of the Present
Some seasons feel full of clarity, conversation, and momentum. Yet, others can feel quieter, slower, maybe even uncertain. And it’s in those quieter moments that we often wonder if we’re doing enough, becoming enough, or if life is somehow passing us by.
We live in a society that praises moving forward and planning ahead. I am not ashamed to say that I’m a goal setter and have been forward-thinking to plan my future. But in all that striving, craving to thrive… it’s so easy to miss the life that’s happening in the present.
Staying present can feel hard, especially when the future feels unattainable to reach or the past keeps holding you back. Overtime, I’ve found that presence is the most peaceful place to be. It’s where we stop bracing ourselves for what’s next and start paying attention to what’s happening now.
“Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
This is a gentle encouragement to be right here. We don’t need to ignore what’s ahead, but to trust that this moment holds enough.
This isn’t a call to stop growing or dreaming. It’s an invitation to breathe, to notice and to find joy, even here.
Redefining Progress
Progress isn’t always about doing more. Sometimes it’s about learning to pause and to be okay with slower days and quieter seasons.
We’ve been taught to chase goals and milestones, but the truth is much of our becoming happens in the ordinary. If we can recognise how we respond, how we rest, how we return to ourselves. You don’t need to constantly improve to be moving forward. Sometimes choosing presence over performance is the most powerful thing you can do.
Returning to the now
Being present doesn’t always come naturally. It takes practice. The world is noisy, and our minds are often louder especially when we have distractions like our phones, devices or social media. We jump between tabs, tasks, thoughts and timelines without even realising that time passes us by.
Choosing to return to the present isn’t weakness, it’s considered wisdom. Whether that’s putting your phone down for 10 minutes or actually tasting your food today… these small returns are reminders: you’re still here. Every quarter, I try to give myself at least one week off social media, and it’s pure bliss. Yes, the nature of my work means I need to occasionally login to support my clients but on a personal note, I do everything I can to honour myself and be present.
Joy in What’s Already Here
We often wait for the big moments to feel like joy is validated. Sometimes, the most beautiful parts of life are happening in real time - moving your body, catching up with a friend, taking a long bath. The more we notice these moments, the greater it feels. If we pay attention to those present moments, it can be enough and more than we realised.
Living Without rushing
There’s no finish line to who you are becoming. We shouldn’t have fixed timelines for figuring it all out. Life moves through seasons, and so do we.
It’s so easy to feel behind when everything or everyone around you moves fast. But choosing to slow your pace or step away from constant striving doesn’t mean you’re lacking ambition. It means you’re listening. Trusting. Honouring the timing that’s been set for you.
Sometimes, what feels like delay is actually divine alignment. God doesn’t rush the process, and you don’t have to either. His timing isn’t always ours, but it’s always intentional. Even when you don’t see it yet, something great is unfolding. This is when I’m reminded of Habakkuk 2:3; “For the vision is yet for an appointed time... Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.”
The present isn’t meant to be perfect, but it’s full of quiet gifts and blessings.
You don’t have to have everything mapped out, but in this moment right now, it’s enough to come back to.
Pause & Reflect
Where have you been waiting for “more” when you’ve already been given what you need for now?
With love,
x
