Today, I find myself awake before 4 a.m., sitting by a beautiful fire in the pellet stove, planning my day and the weeks ahead. A wave of overwhelm threatens to creep in—so many projects, so many tasks, all pressing for my attention. It would be easy to feel consumed by it all.
And yet, in this moment, peace is settling over me. I’m simply sitting. I’m present. I’m allowing myself to pause and take in the quiet sounds of a new day beginning. One message we frequently share with the support teams of our clients is this: It’s okay to take time to just be present.
Set aside the task lists and the appointment books, even if only for a few minutes. Sit with your loved one—not to accomplish anything, not to plan, not to solve, but simply to be.
Listen to their breathing. Take in the familiar scent that is uniquely theirs. Hold their hand, study its lines and textures. Let a memory surface. Follow where it takes you.
The inability to recall a memory quickly can be deeply frustrating. Too often, I hear the words “Don’t you remember?” or “Can’t you remember?” and feel the sting of their unintended weight. Having lived through months where my own memory failed me, I understand the reality of that moment—the way it can feel like an unexpected slap. What I treasured most during that time were the people who chose to simply be present with me. Not just watching over me, but truly with me.
I especially appreciated when someone shared a memory in a way that didn’t put pressure on me to remember. Instead of asking “Do you remember when…?”, they’d say, “Once, I had this experience…” and describe it in the third person. This gentle approach gave me space—space to recognize the story as my own if I could, or simply to enjoy it without feeling the need to recall.
So today, I want to extend a challenge. Sometime in the next 24 hours, make it a point to pause. Find a quiet moment to simply be present with yourself. And once that sense of peace replaces the chaos, seek out someone to share this peace with – just be present with them.
I’d love to hear about your experiences with this challenge. Feel free to share them with me at k.taylor@augustservicesllc.com.
