Just Be With Me

Just your presence can be a gift.

I was talking to a friend this morning, and she shared something about the power of presence that touched me.

There was a dead mouse in her basement, and she asked a neighbor to come over and help. She didn't want the neighbor to pick up the mouse, or even to be in the basement while she did it. She just asked her to wait at the top of the stairs while she accomplished the task of mouse disposal.

She felt safer and more capable just knowing her friend was there.

What a beautiful example of how powerful it is to have company while moving through something difficult.

Don't walk behind me; I may not lead.

Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow.

Just walk beside me and be my friend.

ALBERT CAMUS

This reminds me of what I'm working to foster in my community, My Authentic Life. We hold space for each other to uncover their own inner light and awaken to our connection, our union to all that is.

While your story of survival may serve as a survival guide for someone else, also remember to give them space to be the hero of their story. We bloom with compassion and a loving presence.

Speaking of love, the definition of love that I love is from Thomas Aquinas: to will the good of the other. And to give of ourselves.

That gift of presence is a present.