I was out on a power walk on my own this morning while vacationing in Florida when Pink’s song I Am Here came on, and it hit me in a way that I wasn’t expecting. You know those moments when a song isn’t just background noise, but it actually speaks to something deep inside you? This was one of those times.

The lyrics felt like a wake-up call. We live in a world that constantly pushes us to hustle, do more, and rush through the day, but this song reminded me of the importance of being here—of being fully present, in this moment. Right now.

In the song, Pink sings, “I am here.” And that simple statement made me pause and reflect on how often I’m not really here. I’m physically present, yes, but mentally? Emotionally? 

Sometimes, I’m already three steps ahead, planning the next thing, checking my email while watching my daughter play, or thinking about the launch or new business idea while I’m talking to my husband. But true presence, the kind that allows you to soak in life as it is, requires intention.

For me, one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned lately is how to carve out intentional, undistracted time. This means setting boundaries not only with others but with myself. It’s about creating space for the things that matter without feeling like I need to do everything all at once.

In this stage of life, with a young child, I’ve learned that there are windows of opportunity to be present, especially on trips like this. My daughter still naps, and that time is a golden opportunity for me to dive into tasks that require focus. I know that if I try to squeeze those things in during other parts of the day, like while I’m playing with her or trying to multi-task in between errands, I’m not truly present with either task. But when I use those nap times wisely, it helps me feel grounded and accomplished, without the overwhelm.

Another strategy that has helped me is getting up before the rest of the house wakes up. That time is sacred. It’s my chance to focus on me—whether that’s reading, journaling, or simply breathing before the day gets crazy. These small but intentional moments of quiet are essential for my mental clarity and focus. They allow me to show up for everything else with more presence and energy.

But, let’s be real, I don’t always get this right. Some days, I’m juggling too much, trying to do everything at once, and I forget to create those boundaries with myself. I get pulled into the never-ending cycle of “doing” and forget to be.

One of the biggest things I’ve learned this year is to be kind to myself when I slip up. I’m not perfect at this, and I won’t always have it all figured out. But each time I realize that I’m spreading myself too thin, it’s an opportunity to reset.

One of the most valuable things I’ve discovered is that certain things can wait.

We often feel this urgency to get everything done right away—whether that’s a project, an email, or a task that feels important in the moment. But when I pause and ask myself, “Is this really a today task?” “Does this need to be done now, or can it wait until tomorrow—or next week?” I often realize that it can wait. Life goes on, and the world doesn’t fall apart if I don’t finish everything on my to-do list today.

Having a child has taught me a lot about boundaries, perspective, and what truly matters. I’ve had to get better at recognizing what’s worth my time and energy and what’s not. Some things just aren’t that urgent, and that’s okay.

But here’s the thing—being present isn’t always easy, especially when life throws us curveballs. When we’re stressed, overwhelmed, or dealing with difficult emotions, it’s easy to slip into autopilot mode. In those challenging moments, we have to intentionally bring ourselves back to the present. And there are a few strategies that help:

Breathing: When everything feels like too much, taking a few deep breaths can help ground you in the moment. Inhale slowly for a count of four, hold for four, and exhale for four. Repeat this a few times, and you’ll notice your mind starts to clear.

Pause and Observe: If you find yourself feeling stressed or triggered, take a moment to observe what’s happening around you. What do you see? What do you hear? What do you feel? This simple practice of pausing and observing helps bring you back into your body and away from the mental noise.

Gratitude: When things aren’t going the way we want them to, it’s easy to focus on the negative. But even in difficult moments, there’s always something to be grateful for. Take a moment to identify one or two things you can be thankful for right now. It shifts your energy and helps you reconnect with the present.

Release the Need for Perfection: When challenges arise, it’s easy to get stuck in the mindset of “I should be doing better” or “I’m not handling this well enough.” Let go of the idea that everything needs to be perfect. Life is messy, and that’s okay. Give yourself permission to just be.

Use the Past to Guide You: I’ve realized that on previous trips, I wasn’t always present, and I regret that. So today, I remind myself that my true desire is to be here and now.

I want to encourage you to think about this in your own life: Are you setting boundaries around your time? Are you giving yourself space to be present, or are you trying to squeeze in everything at once? It’s okay to slow down. It’s okay to let certain things wait.

The present moment is the only one we truly have, and if we’re always running ahead, we miss out on the beauty of now.

I’m still figuring this out, but it’s a process. And I’m excited to keep learning, growing, and being present with the people and moments that matter most.

If this resonated with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts. What has helped you create more presence in your life, especially during the challenging moments?

With love,