Last week we held two sessions of our Holiday with Presence workshop.
Five years in, and every single time the feedback is the same: “I needed this.” “I’m so glad we’re talking about this in November.” “I’ve never thought about the holidays this way.”
And honestly? Five years in, and I’m still learning too.
Each season reminds me that you can’t be reminded enough about presence. It’s not something you master—it’s something you return to, again and again.
I’ve said this before and it bears repeating: presence might be the most difficult discipline of our generation. It’s a constant uphill battle for your attention —every company out there wants it.
Without even realizing it, we start giving in to what’s loudest instead of what matters most.
That’s why we run this workshop year after year — not to add one more thing to the list, but to help people plan so they can be present.
To remember that saying “no” isn’t wrong—it’s what allows us to say “yes” to what we actually value.
While all of this may sound like a holiday message, it’s really a year-round reminder.
We spent this past weekend with our big kids in Texas—some of the most present people I know.
Even with three littles in constant motion, they still pay attention to the people around them. They don’t overbook, they take things one at a time. Which makes you feel seen.
Every time we’re together, I leave feeling both full and challenged—to lead myself better, to show up with more attention, to live slower and deeper.
Presence takes intentionality —and practice. Listening with your eyes, engaging your senses. I have to work at this. I want to work at this.
In this month’s coaching groups, we’re naming small, practical ways to practice presence—simple habits that help you come back to yourself and the moment you’re in:
- Re-engage your senses. When you notice yourself drifting, pause and name five things you can see or feel. It’s a quick, grounding way to bring your attention back to where you actually are.
- Get curious, not critical. When you realize you’re not present, ask yourself what’s pulling you away? What story are you telling yourself about what matters more? That gentle curiosity helps you re-enter the moment instead of judging yourself for leaving it.
- Name what you’re doing. I loved a tip from our new coach, Rebekah Nanfria. When you feel your anxiety or drift, try thinking —or saying out loud if you can: “I’m washing the dishes.” “I’m walking into this meeting.” “I’m listening to my kiddo.” Naming it signals your brain: this is where I am, and this is what I’m doing. It’s one of the simplest, most powerful ways to bring your focus back to now.
People are watching. Your family, your team, your clients and the people you interact with throughout your day. Your nervous system is reacting. How do you want to feel? How do you want to be remembered? Scattered, no eye contact, checking your phone, disengaged? We’ve all seen this movie and we cringe when we watch someone else show up this way.
Presence isn’t seasonal. It’s how we build meaningful lives, relationships, and impact. The question is whether we’ll let the loudest things win—or whether we’ll keep choosing, moment by moment, to show up for what really matters.