A Year of Presence: Four Ways to Show Up for Yourself and Others

Every year, I choose one word I want to encapsulate all my goals for the year. For 2024, I chose the word PRESENT. In order to show up for myself and others well, I have selected four categories to prioritize that speak to my desire to embody this theme throughout the year.

1. People
A major reason I chose PRESENT as my word of the year was due to my desire to show up free from distraction for the people around me. Whether friends or strangers, I want to choose people above anything else in all situations. Sometimes it just takes a simple smile or greeting to turn somebody's day around, and I don't want to miss any opportunity to provide such an encounter. It can be easy to find various distractions during times of boredom, waiting, or discomfort,  but I I want to lean into those moments and embrace the opportunity to engage with the individuals around me.

2. Body
Noticing the sensations in my body is something I often neglect. It usually takes a focused meditation for me to finally tune into what's actually going on inside. By using the power of mindfulness and breathwork, I intend to gain presence in my body and appreciate the wide array of experiences going on within me throughout the course of the day.

3. Emotions
In a fast paced world, it is easy to zip past emotions and drown them out. I rarely give my feelings enough time to settle in and make themselves known before I gloss over them and quickly reframe whatever I may be experiencing. By being present, it helps me to not only notice my emotions but also fully experience them. Instead of trying to brush past whatever I may be feeling inside, I want to use my theme for the year to elevate and befriend them.

4. Words
The things we choose to say and not say are core to our identity. I have no problem speaking my mind, sometimes without giving a second thought to how my words could come across to those around me. While in past years I have focused on the power of listening, this year I want to be conscientious and aware of my speech. I want to use my words to build up those around me, share wisely, and speak with intention.

By focusing on these four areas, I hope to develop a practice that supports my values and helps me be PRESENT in each and every moment.