Welcome to The Subtle Shift, a weekly newsletter where I share small but powerful ideas to help you lead with clarity, inspire change, and create a lasting impact. If someone forwarded this to you and you find it valuable, you can join the community here.
This Week’s Shift: Be Present in the Moment
The holiday season is here, and for many, it will feel like a blur. Between shopping, end-of-year deadlines, and planning for the new year, we rush through these precious moments, distracted by what’s next instead of savoring what’s now.
But what if, this year, you made a subtle shift?
What if, as we close out 2024, you chose to pause, breathe, and focus on the people and moments right in front of you?
The Gift of Presence
Being present is one of the greatest gifts we can offer ourselves and our loved ones. It’s also one of the hardest.
We’ve all experienced it: sitting at the dinner table but thinking about work, watching a holiday movie with family but scrolling through our phones, or nodding along in a conversation while our minds race ahead to tomorrow’s to-do list.
True presence means giving your full attention to the moment without distraction or judgment. It’s about stepping out of the rush and into the now. It’s also about realizing that presence can transform ordinary moments into extraordinary ones.
A Few Thoughts About Presence
Emily Dickinson said it best when she told us that:
“Forever is composed of nows.”
Psychologist Abraham Maslow reminds us of how important presence is to our mental well being:
“The ability to be in the present moment is a major component of mental wellness.”
Historian Alice Morse Earle put a clever and poetic spin on the topic:
“Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That’s why it’s called the present.”
Simple Practices for Being Present
Staying present doesn’t require a complete lifestyle change. It’s about subtle shifts that help you focus on what matters most.
- Pause Before Each Gathering – Before walking into a family dinner or holiday event, take a deep breath, and set an intention. Ask yourself, How can I fully show up for this moment?
- Put the Phone Away – Keep your phone out of reach during meaningful moments—like gift exchanges, meals, or conversations. This simple act eliminates a significant source of distraction.
- Listen Deeply – When someone speaks, focus solely on them. Resist the urge to think about your response or let your mind wander. Be curious, ask questions, and show you care.
- Savor the Small Joys – Notice the little things: the sound of laughter, the warmth of a hug, the sparkle of lights. Presence is found in appreciating the details.
- End Each Day with Gratitude – Reflect on a couple of moments from the day that brought you joy. When we appreciate what is working, we extend its value.
The Power of Subtle Shifts
Being present at the moment can be challenging, especially during a busy time of year. But it’s a shift worth making. By focusing on what’s in front of you—whether it’s a loved one, a quiet moment of rest, or the beauty of the season—you’ll end 2024 not just with a full calendar but with a whole heart.
As we look toward 2025, remember: the best memories aren’t made in the rush. They’re made in the stillness, the laughter, and the connections you create when you’re truly present.
Keep showing up. Keep being here, now.
Happy Holidays.
