Episode 002: Too Busy to Be Present?
Life can feel full very quickly.
Work, parenting, relationships, health, family, friendships and all the other roles we carry can leave us trying to be everything to everyone.
In this episode, Jane and Kass explore what it means to be present and intentional, particularly when life feels busy.
They begin with their regular Celebrate, Challenge and Support check-in, where Kass reflects on a recent comment that she wasn't always as present as she could be. Rather than dismissing it or becoming defensive, she considers it information and starts thinking about what she might want to do differently.
That leads into a bigger conversation about how we can create more intentional moments of presence in our everyday lives.
In this episode, we explore:
What being present actually means when life is busy
The many roles we carry and the pressure to do them all well
Why we can't be everywhere and everything for everyone
The importance of being intentional about where we put our time and energy
Creating small, protected moments for connection
Why looking after ourselves isn't selfish
How taking time for ourselves can help us be more present with the people we love
What it means to receive feedback as information rather than immediately becoming defensive
How we can recognise when we need some time and space to regroup
Jane shares examples of the small, intentional moments she creates with her family, including phone-free family meals, playing cards and dedicated time with her youngest son for “Elair Friday” . She also talks about intentionally protecting time around important relationships and celebrations.
A key part of the conversation is the idea that we don't have to get presence right all the time. We are human, we have limited time, and sometimes not being present is simply information that we may need a break or some space.
The conversation finishes with a reminder, particularly for those approaching a busy end of term, to take some time to be present with themselves too.