This weekend past, I made it my personal mission to slow down and be more present with my family. This meant I was intentional about engaging in active play with my son, and listening and responding in a way that was personal and specific. We had so much fun together, and we all felt connected and on the same page.

Most days I am present with my family and I’m actively engaging with them. But on other days, like most of us, stress and exhaustion distracts me and I find myself lost in my thoughts or switching off mentally. Most of the time I am not aware of it, and I think that’s been a problem. I may be with my family physically, but my thoughts are elsewhere.

Do you ever find yourself worrying about things that haven’t even happened yet? Or maybe you are stressing about tomorrow’s worries? It’s almost as if you are living in tomorrow without going through the motions of today?

TOMORROW CAN WAIT

When we worry about tomorrow and the potential “what ifs” that it may or may not bring, we bring on unnecessary anxiety. This may cause us to withdraw emotionally and mentally. That vacant behaviour affects not only us but those we love. They will start to feel neglected. Your emotional absence is deeply felt and it will negatively impact your family dynamic.

Let tomorrow’s thoughts go. If something is out of your control, let it go. If something is awaiting your attention, and it can wait until tomorrow, then leave it until then. Do not fear the unknown or what tomorrow may bring. Embrace each and every moment as it comes with confidence, knowing that you are more than capable of handling it when it comes.

BE PRESENT

I tend to lean towards the more anxious side of life, and I have an introverted nature. Therefore, I have to be more actively aware of daily decisions that help me to be more present in the moment instead of fearing tomorrow.

This may mean the following:

  • When my family is with me, I need to put my phone away, and respond to messages or emails either when my son is asleep or in the morning.
  • Sometimes what helps me to get out of living in my head and getting lost in my thoughts is doing something practical or physical, like going for a walk with my son in the afternoons and visiting and playing in the park with him. Practically, I tend to write things down in a journal. This could be thoughts that are bothering me, or the writing of practical lists of things that need to get done.
  • Doing something new together as a family is always refreshing and it encourages active engagement from everyone. Find something new and fun for your family to experience together.

Being more present with our family places value on them, and deepens the bond between members of the family. Family members start to flourish when they feel valued and loved. Never underestimate the power of giving your full, undivided attention to your VIP family members. I believe that when you actively choose to be present, it not only impacts others, but it will refresh you!

The greatest gift you can give someone is your time. Because when you give your time, you are giving a portion of your life that you will never get back.