Usually when I share something with you all it’s because I’ve been on the journey and discovered some useful rockstar tools that can help you along your own journey. Today, however, I’m writing about something I’m currently working on myself- being present. Yes I’ve heard about the gift of “now” and all of that, but recently I’ve become increasingly aware that it’s a challenge for me to actually be present and in the moment.

I know the first step in any personal growth is to become aware of the contrast of experiencing something I do not want to experience, which is a good thing. My tendency is to shift into future (and sometimes in the past), which I notice most when I am around my children. They are a constant reminder of change and growth happening quickly.

Tonight for example, I was getting my 5 year old to sleep. She asked me to rub her back (adorable) and I immediately started thinking of what I was going to do after she was asleep. I stopped myself. Well actually, those mean self-destructive voices about being a terrible mother stopped me. After I told them to chill out I stopped and took some deep breaths. I became aware of the way my daughter’s back felt as I rubbed it for her. I felt sad/happy. In other words, sad because she is growing so fast, and happy because I am grateful I get to experience her and my other daughters, as they grow. I enjoyed the sweetness of the moment. And then I remembered a book I’ve never sat down to read by Eckart Tolle, The Power of Now.

So my challenge for me rockstars (and for you if you’d like), is to read that book if you haven’t already along with me, and to find one moment each day to stop and bring yourself present. Ideally, it would be amazing to be present most of the day, but just start wherever you are, just like I am. Giddy up rockstars!

I recently was given the opportunity to travel to New York City for a conference. My friend and I decided to fly in a day early to take in all the city has to offer. Visiting NYC was on my bucket list and I am very grateful of the timing of my visit. The election had ended a week earlier and protests were erupting all over the city. I was apprehensive, but never back down from a challenge (being the rockstar that I am). Traveling to a big city…the largest city in the US…well if I’m honest, it did make me a little nervous.

I grew up in the suburbs of a small coastal city in Texas. Population 200,000-250,000, and the suburban area I grew up in…is even smaller. Traveling was a privilege in our family, but by the time I was 16 years old I had 10+ stamps on my passport and visited handful of states in the US. I was hooked. I love to travel! I grow and learn from each destination and the local communities within them.

Typically, when I travel I am a Planner. I like to have a rough plan of stops I would like to see and then if a surprise arises, cool. This trip was different. I totally surrendered and wandered through NYC from the 911 Memorial to Central Park with my friend. Experiencing the city in this way, we  were fortunate to get a feel for the people and the heartbeat of the city. The people of NYC were the biggest surprise to me- they are welcoming, friendly, and courteous. People of all backgrounds, income status, and careers, were so nice. I had heard that the people of New York are rude and in a hurry, but this was just not my experience.

NYC taught me that we can come together as a Nation. I saw that no matter the color of our skin, our religious background, or income status we can live, work, and respect each other. We can have different political views, and discussions about our political views. As long as we respect and speak from our hearts, I believe we can come together.

NYC is a melting pot of this beautiful world as is our nation. Instead of yelling at each other or dismissing each other’s views, we can instead hold everyone in this beautiful nation and its people in our hearts. We can pray for peace and safety for everyone- democrats, republicans, independent political officials, and police officers. We can be compassionate with everyone.

Giving people the opportunity to be heard and really listening to them is the best way to provide compassion. Then, above all, is to be compassionate with ourselves. When we really listen to ourselves and accept our feelings without judgment, self love becomes easy. Compassion is the medicine for ourselves and others. The election, like every experience in the “Earth school,” offers us opportunities to give and receive this medicine. Giddy up!