I never really considered
presence
as a gift,
until adulthood.
I would hear the word
and think of Santa Claus,
glittery twinkle lights,
or brightly wrapped
birthday boxes
of mystery and potential.

The necessity
of presence
has many ways to make itself known.
It floats with ease to the forefront
in quiet, gentle moments,
joins us with a knowing smile
in moments of gratitude,
and barges in like an obnoxious partygoer
when grief knocks on the door.

Presence can be an expert at hide-and-seek
when things aren’t coming up roses.
Not because it’s hiding,
but because we’re seeking.
Anything to avoid stillness,
the mirror,
the reflection.

The state of
being present
is a gift.

The kind we should feel
as great about giving regularly
to ourselves
as we do to others—
guilt free.

The sort that ought to be
mass-produced
by giving a care,
and giving our care.

The factories of our hearts
do not need distribution centers,
advertisements, or discounts.

The gift of presence
is an investment much greater
than any bank statement could display.

~

Author/Editor: Jen Schwartz
Image: Flickr
Copy Editor: Yoli Ramazzini
Social Editor: Callie Rushton