Our whole lives are made up of choices that we make; sometimes wise, sometimes spontaneous, sometimes out of pure frustration. The gift is to make sure that as we move forward, the choice was right for us. The gift is that when we know better, we do better.

Just like the sun sets each and every day, there is an opportunity to make different choices that better serve our values and create space for us to flourish. What changes do you want to make? What choices are not serving you?

By taking an opportunity this summer to recharge and sink into a vacation with my family, it provided me some time and space to reflect. Why is it that we cannot wait to break away for summer vacation and then forget to enjoy the moment? We are so anxious to go on vacation and then stress ourselves out with all the planning and preparation that we forget to actually enjoy ourselves….

What I realized is that I need to make better choices in how I choose to spend my leisure time. I want to be with the people that mean the most to me, IN THE MOMENT. I want to laugh so hard that tears are streaming down my face, I want to feel the last blast of hot summer air from the setting sun, I want to feel the cool mist of water as I bike ride down the road….

The GIFT is THE MOMENT. The GIFT is BEING PRESENT.

This summer has given me the gift of reminding me that I was making poor choices and not being aligned with what I value and hold most dearly.

Where in your life do you need to be more present? What gift are you thankful for?