Mindful Living Made Easy: Simple Steps to Unlock Joy and Fulfillment without Meditation

Can you believe it’s September already? This year is flying by so fast! Where has the time gone?

How many times have you uttered these words or a similar phrase as you suddenly get present to the time of year, how much your child has grown, your 10- or 20-year high-school reunion, or another damn gray hair!

As women entrepreneurs, our agendas are full. We have shit to do and we’re getting it done. 

In all that doing, however, we can sometimes forget to get present to the here and now. 

We’re so busy checking things off our list, we’re already looking at what’s next on our to-dos, missing what’s in front of us and even who is in front of us at the moment.

Enhancing your awareness of, and getting present to the moment helps us savor the moments of everyday life to slow down time and unlock joy and fulfillment in ourselves, our relationships, and our life.

Getting present doesn’t require long meditations, any special tools, or expensive subscriptions. Although meditation is also extremely beneficial, some people shy away from the practice for a variety of reasons, including feeling as if they don’t have time to sit down and meditate. 

Unlike meditation, practicing getting present is something you do in the moment as you live your life. All it requires is the intention to pay attention and get present to the ordinary moments and people in your life.

Get present to and savor—the rich cup of coffee you have every mid-afternoon, the food you enjoy for lunch, the breeze you feel on your morning runs, your partner’s laugh, your mother’s cooking, your father’s dad jokes, your brother’s harmless pranks, your sister’s companionship, your best friend’s humor, your partner’s love, the glass of wine you have every evening, a walk in the park, and a snuggle with your dog.

The opportunities are endless; it’s just a matter of becoming aware of the present moment and choosing to indulge in it.

I know this can be challenging, especially when you have client deadlines looming, payroll to meet, PTA meetings to attend, a partner to acknowledge, parents to care for, and countless other business, familial, and household duties to tend to. 

Start by Getting Present to Yourself & Your Life

Start by getting present to, and pouring love into, your incredible self, first. Take advantage of those moments you have to yourself such as in the shower, when you look in the bathroom mirror to put on makeup or brush your teeth, journaling before bed, at lunch, when you are having a cup of coffee or tea, when you sit at your desk in the morning or before you wrap up for the day.

Get present to, and feel the love for…

• Your life.

• Your corny jokes.

• Your entrepreneurial spirit.

• Your brilliant mid.

• Your cushy love handles.

• Your dazzling smile.

• Your radiant beauty.

• Your creativity.

• Your compassionate leadership.

• Your loving heart.

• Your gentle hands.

• Your kind thoughts. 

• Your comforting hugs.

• Your good fortune.

• Your fabulous amazingness. 

• Your generous spirit.

• Your Self.

• Your… [fill in the blank]

  
  

Getting present to your wonderfulness isn’t a one-time thing. Practice this daily. 

You are amazing, multi-dimensional, and evolving. Every moment allows us to get present to ourselves and pour love into ourselves and our lives. 

Get Present to Others

As you practice getting present to yourself, start getting present to others. Stop and get present to your partner—their eyes, their smile, their nice ass, or arms.

Get present to your kid(s), their kind gesture, their creativity, and/or their love for their grandparents, siblings, pets, and/or you. 

Here’s a brainstorming list to notice and get present to:

• Your parents’ unwavering commitment to you, their community, their grandkids, and/or each other.

• Your sibling’s friendship.

• The server when you go out to eat. 

• Your assistant’s dedication.

• Your doorperson’s friendly smile.

• Your gardener’s attention to detail. 

• Etc. 

The Benefits of Getting Present

A regular practice of getting present throughout the day offers many well-being benefits, including:

• Reduced Stress: Getting present helps quiet your mind and release tension as worries and stress melt away in the background, behind your focal point.

• Enhanced Relationships: It’s so easy to take the people in our lives for granted. When you're truly present to people, you listen better, connect more deeply, and show you genuinely care. This helps strengthen your connection, improve communication, and enhance your relationships. 

• Greater Appreciation for Life: Being in the present moment allows you to better experience and appreciate the small joys and often-overlooked details of everyday life, leading to greater overall happiness.

• Increased Self-Awareness: Getting present helps you become more aware of your wonderfulness, thoughts, emotions, feelings, reactions, and behaviors, spurring personal growth and self-compassion.

• More Joy and Appreciation: By regularly practicing getting present to yourself, your life, and the people in your life, you cultivate a deeper sense of joy, peace, and appreciation, regardless of external circumstances.

Getting present is a simple yet powerful practice that doesn’t require meditation, tools, or subscriptions —just your attention and intention. As busy women business owners, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle, but by making the effort to get present to the little things in your life and the beauty in yourself and others, you are on your way to enjoying greater happiness, fulfillment, and peace. 

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Vickie Reine | Entrepreneur & Wellness Coach

I work with women entrepreneurs to create happier, healthier, & wealthier lives, starting today.