The Greatest Gift You Can Offer
Dear Essentialists,?
There is a curious power in being present.
When we are present, we see a person more clearly. We communicate better. We make lasting connections.?
Unfortunately, in our go-go-go world, being with someone who is fully present is rare. When it happens it’s an experience that stays with us.
This was true for Ronald Epstein, who as a young boy visited a doctor. The exam and diagnosis took only a few moments. The ailment turned out to be mild. But instead of racing out of the room, Ronald recalled how the doctor spent time answering all of his questions. He wasn’t rushed. He didn’t move for the door. It was as if he were the only patient the doctor was scheduled to see that day.?
It was a brief experience, one the doctor may not even remember. But it was one Ronald never forgot.?
Presence is something that makes us feel worthy, valued, and understood.
As I hear stories like Ronald’s, I have found myself asking this question:
How might the world be different if everyone took a few extra minutes to be completely present with just one person every day??
Remember, the greatest gift you can offer others is not your skill or effort. It is simply you.
?Who can you be fully present with today?
"What do we live for, if it is not to make life less difficult for each other?"
―?George Eliot
In gratitude,?Greg
p.s. Do you feel like you are living life at an unsustainable pace? Looking for practical strategies you can use today to overcome burnout? Then you won't want to miss my conversation with leadership consultant Carey Nieuwhof on?this week's episode ?of the?What's Essential?podcast.?Listen here.
Enjoying Effortless?
People and Culture Specialist| DEI Champion| Talent Strategist| CPO| People Analyst| Job Analyst|SMBA|MZIM
3 年Great reflection Greg McKeown . Presence has lasting impression and impact. It can not be substituted.
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3 年This article is an eye-opener! With the pandemic blurring the time for work and home, I find myself guilty of not being "present". Looking back, I always seem to rush for my laptop to work, or plan for work even after dinner. One of the best feelings is feeling worthy, valued, and understood, and this helped me realize that we need to sometimes step back and be present to the people closest to us.
Vice President of Digital Product at Optum |Ex Ernst & Young | Ex Consultant | Software Engineer|
3 年Such a powerful tool to “be present” in the modern era of technology today when everyone is busy on their phones, computers, laptops, iPads, Iwatch or their headphones. Being present is a super power!!!
Organic Chemistry Freelance Writer | Environmental | Paper Chemistry | Energy & Power
3 年I remember being in a conversation, looking around the room, and realizing I was the only person fully involved in the conversation and not looking on a phone. So yes, I do remember speaking to someone who was truly present (the most recent was a few hours ago ).
A business professional while your customers first.
3 年it's very easy to conflict with the situation while we don't pursue what we crave! all we get in the moment is what is best for that particular situation in relation to our reality & made sense. We are bothered by surroundings & that in presence nature cultivate our reality- so far destiny.