Reflections on a Year of Growth and the Pursuit of Presence
Hello everyone,
What a difference a year makes.
If you are going through something difficult right now, I see you, and I honor your journey. It's important to remember that no matter how tough things may seem, they will not be this way forever. That's a promise I hold dear, and today, I want to share a piece of my own journey with you—a journal entry from exactly a year ago. Why share this? Because struggle is a universal part of our humanity, something that connects us all, regardless of how put together we might seem from the outside.
A Look Back: Journal Entry from 3/7/2023
"I don’t know how I got here again. Life is spinning out of control. I have a child who can barely handle the word 'no' and goes into rage fits all the time. I know we need to get him help. And I need help, too. Parenting is the hardest job in the world. Things were so much easier when they were babies. Now they have minds and attitudes that are big and scary at times.
In the middle of all this, I know I’m not reaching my fullest potential. I went to SkyWater to earn money the fastest way I knew how: recruiting. I am so happy to see Brian so happy. I wanted him to pursue his dream of opening Rock U Music School without any worry. 2021 and 2022 were awesome for us. But then my recruiting revenue dropped almost 150% and I am questioning everything. I just about died when the ranking email came out, and my name was on the bottom. Me - Laura King - not a top performer? WHO AM I IF I’M NOT A TOP PERFORMER?
I am not in alignment. I am disconnected. I am not present with my family. I am not happy with myself.
Can I 'just be here now' and soak up the moment for the moment’s sake? Can I connect with the beautiful souls in front of me? Can I stop worrying about what’s next? I am rushing too much. I am missing it. These kids and this life are flashing before my eyes. I am wishing for it to be the next moment when the beauty I KNOW is the here and now. Can I focus on finding peace in the present moment rather than thinking about what I need to do next? Can I let the house chores go and play outside with the boys? Can I let work go and hang out with my neighbors instead? If I’m being honest, I choose to DO rather than TO BE. And that needs to change."
The Pursuit of Being
This journal entry captures a critical moment of realization and self-reflection. My biggest struggle and a lifetime goal have become clear: to enjoy moments of being.
The journey to stop thinking I need to “do” to earn love, approval, or success has been a transformative one. It's a struggle many of us face, caught in the continuous loop of productivity and performance, often at the cost of our peace and presence.
Embracing Duality for Growth
2023 got worse before it got better, but this duality, this contrast between what I thought I wanted and what I truly needed, has been enlightening. It taught me the essential lessons about what it means to truly live—not just to achieve, but to be fully present and connected with those around me.
An Invitation to Reflect
I invite you to reflect on your own lives: Where are you choosing to do rather than to be? Are there moments you could step back and appreciate more fully if only you allowed yourself the space to do so?
Until next week,
Laura
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