A Gift of Time

What is the ultimate gift? What is one thing that represents a sacrifice that we can never get back? I'll give you a hint - it isn't jewelry, money, trips or any other tangible present. "Present" - one of those funny words with many meanings. A "Present" can refer to a gift and it can also mean to demonstrate or show, or refer to being in place at a given time. I love that present can have so many meanings as a noun or a verb. "Being Present" is one of those sayings that has taken on life in recent times, becoming a catchy buzz phrase. Maybe we are craving full presence in life, from others or ourselves. Do we feel the weight of what "being present" really means? Are we missing it?

All the dictionary meanings can be combined to indicate a "present" represents a gift of being and showing up fully in a place for ourselves or others. How beautiful is that? Especially when you add the consideration of time - a commodity we all have but is limited, with a truly unknowable quantity?

Let me ask you a question. Have you ever had the experience of full, undistracted attention from another person? Have you ever given yourself the gift of singular, uninterrupted focus? I wouldn't be surprised if your answer was no, not lately, or very rarely. The occurrence of being wholly present, especially without the intrusion of other thoughts, noises, or tasks interrupting our focus is extremely rare. These moments are likely rare because we do not want to ignore or miss out on something else we fear or have been told may also be important.

Those moments represent a commitment to set aside a piece of our lives. Making those sacrifices intentionally takes fortitude. The fortitude of choice - the ability to decide hard on what really matters. In his book, Four Thousand Weeks - Time Management for Mortals, Oliver Burkeman states, " Every decision to use a portion of time on anything represents the sacrifice of all other ways in which you could have spent that time, but didn't - and to willingly make that sacrifice is to take a stand without reservation, on what matters most to you."

The gift of time is one of the reasons I love coaching so much. I get the opportunity to offer my undivided attention and give individuals the chance to clear out the noise and create an environment of single focus on what their needs and desires look like and how to get them. I get to offer the gift of holding uninterrupted space with another human to explore and dive deep into what is possible for them when the distractions are put away. I offer this sacrifice of my own time, not just willingly but enthusiastically, because this gift - it can change lives.

Feel free to reach out to me if you would like to explore how to be fully present. I would love the opportunity to share some time with you.