The Power Of Presence: Lessons From A Summer Well-Spent
As summer winds down and we settle back into our routines, I wanted to share a bit about what this season has meant for me and my family. Every summer, we escape the Austin heat to spend time with my husband's family and our friends in the Pacific Northwest. This time away has become a cherished tradition, offering a break from the usual routine and a chance to play and connect.
While I did some work on the road—coaching, meeting with my team, and a quick trip to San Antonio to train NEISD’s Dept of Special Education on self-compassion and compassionate leadership—much of the summer was spent with our kids, parents, extended family, and friends. Aaron and I even had a week to ourselves while the kids were at grandparent camp, which was a wonderful opportunity to reconnect.
This time away gave me the space to reflect. One of the biggest lessons I took from this summer is the importance of presence. When I’m stuck in thoughts of the past or future anxieties, I miss out on the beauty of the moment.
I’m also proud of how I managed fear this summer. I’m leaning into trust as much as possible and asking for help when I need it—both of which are growth areas for me.
Feeling fear is a natural part of the human experience, but I’ve been working on not letting it drive my decisions. Elizabeth Gilbert beautifully puts it in Big Magic:
"There’s plenty of room in this vehicle for all of us, so make yourself at home, but understand this: Creativity and I are the only ones who will be making any decisions along the way...You’re allowed to have a seat, and you’re allowed to have a voice, but you are not allowed to have a vote."
As we move into fall and leave summer in our rearview mirror, I invite you to reflect on a few questions:
What is something you are proud of yourself for (big or small)?
What are your growth edges? What are you focusing on improving that may have been challenging for you in the past?
If your 80-year-old self could give you any advice right now, what do you think they would say?
How can you implement that wisdom in your life today?
Wishing you all a smooth transition into fall and hoping you find moments of presence and joy in the days ahead.