I have been reflecting on two things this week- where I spend my time and what it means to stay present. Our family trip to Florida to visit our mom (mother in law) provided me with the answers I didn’t expect. And perhaps that’s how it goes. We look for answers in the places we know best but sometimes
answers come in unexpected places, when we aren’t looking for it.
Vacations are not only good for self-care, but it’s equally important for forcing us to get out of our routines to experience something different. When you are on vacation with family, there might be less room to “do your own thing”. I had to be open to change. That my sacred mornings will look different. I have to admit it was hard (I didn’t know I was so set in my ways), but it ended up being a gift I needed.
I still woke up early in the mornings, enjoyed some coffee or tea, and after that it was filled with family time until sunset. Getting out of the routine of having at least an hour to myself in the mornings to being present with family was an adjustment. But you know what I realized? I had been missing people. Because I am not in a traditional work setting anymore, I could go days or even weeks without seeing another person except for my husband.
What we know is comfort, even if it’s not good for us.
On this family vacation I got to spend a lot of time with my sister in law, mother in law, brother in law, and husband. I didn’t know what my soul needed until I experienced it.
Pay attention to experiences that fuel your soul. I realized just how much I am lacking in meaningful connections right now.
(me and sister-in-law at the beach, 11/2023)
Getting out of our schedules, routines, and calendars can be a guide to shedding light on what we are really missing.
a new way to practice being present
What do you think of when you think of the phrase “stay present”? Maybe you imagine a person meditating or doing yoga? While these are definitely activities that encourage us to stay in the moment, what if I told you engaging in new experiences is a powerful way to learn to stay present?
When my sister in law asked if I wanted to make friendship bracelets, I thought why not. I have never made one before (I know, my childhood was missing out) and I knew this would be a good bonding time for her and I. Not only was it fun to talk while making bracelets, because this was new for me, I had to be more present than ever. From putting tiny beads through a thread to picking out the colors I wanted, there was no way to multi-task.
We sat and made bracelet after bracelet, letting the time pass by without thinking about what’s next. When you are engaged in a new activity, it takes that much more focus and attention. Maybe this is how it’s supposed to feel, to be fully here-
(bracelet I made for my nephew, August, with his favorite colors purple and gold)
maybe being present is to do one thing at a time, giving not only our time but giving what is so hard to give, what we neglect to give-
our devotion.
closing thoughts
Even when something is good for us, it’s good to take a pause for something else that we might need more of in this season.
Being fully present is to give our devotion, not just our time.
Once in a while, ditch the schedule and routines to experience the wonder of what might be waiting for us.
How will you cultivate a season of meaningful connections this month?
thank you! late bloomers club is one year old, updates
I just want to say thank you for every single person who subscribed, supported my work through being a paid member, and shared it with their communities. If you are new here, you can read the first letter and reason behind the name and why I started this newsletter.
Moving forward in 2024, late bloomers club will continue to be free monthly notes and paid weekly. Although I have written about various topics this year, I want to focus on personal growth in this upcoming year, with shorter newsletters - something that is short and sweet to read on a Monday for nourishment and something to think/consider for the week. Feel free to share with those who might be interested.
Thank you for reading and being here. I appreciate you! Wherever you are in this season, I hope you have a peaceful and meaningful December.
love,
kyunghee