I do everything fast!  I talk fast, I walk fast, I eat fast, and I move fast.  I get a lot done, yet I also create a lot that needs to be re-done because I’m moving at the speed of light.  I make mistakes and messes and sometimes forget important things.

I thought I was on a call about a week ago only to learn afterwards that I wasn’t – now how did that happen?   I was so busy, moving fast and getting other things done that I didn’t even know I wasn’t present for it.   Ah! There it is – that word, present!  What does it mean?  Present:  ‘there, here, in attendance’ and the antonym is absent!  And guess what my moving at the speed of light did – it really made me absent from what I was doing.

Being present for yourself and others in the world is a gift – a gift of you!  So for the month of June, I have (much to the pleasure of those around me) made a conscious choice to be in the present when I am in the present.  This means listening to whoever is talking (no multitasking or thinking about a response or worse, what I need to do next), being mindful with the tasks that I am involved in (no watching the clock or wishing time away) and taking a few moments to breathe, relax and be aware of my surroundings.

I’ve been working at this for a couple of weeks and let me tell you – I see a whole new world!  Am I still getting things done, you bet!  And believe it or not — now, hold on to your hat – I’m getting more things done.  It seems when you take your time and are present in what you are doing, you don’t make a) mistakes and b) messes!  This is a whole new thing for me and it is fabulous.  The three values that are highest on my list right now are freedom, peace of mind and happiness.  This ‘being present’ is bringing me more freedom, peace of mind and way more happiness!

Not only that, but I’ve had some amazing conversations with my family, friends, clients and prospective clients just because I’ve slowed down to listen and be present with them.  I no longer feel anxiety throughout my body and my muscles are no longer tight and cramping.  I have more energy because I am breathing deeper and focusing on how I am feeling internally.  I can easily stop the madness even before it starts; which before was an amazing feat and now is becoming second nature.

With each article I write, I like to pose questions for you to begin taking small steps to change your life as well.  Remember, I am a DOer – I’ll do or have done whatever I ask you to do, too.  And I like to share what I’ve done to inspire and show you that I’ve gotten such great benefits and results, and so can you!

So question time:  Where in your life are you moving faster than fast, where you know if you slow down things will be fabulous?  How would your day look if you didn’t run on full throttle all the time?  How would it look if you took your foot off the gas completely? Where can you be more present for yourself, for others and for the world?

When I teach my group exercise classes, I sequence the workout so that my clients are in the present moment focusing on the movements and the muscles they are working.  Many remark at the end of the class “Wow, that went by so fast, I didn’t even realize that we were just about finished.”  That’s because they were present.  They were in a zone.  There really is – as I am finding out, and as you will too – no better place to be!

Please share your thoughts, insights and revelations below!

© Copyright 2012 Kim Ravida Coaching. All rights reserved. Feel free to use the material from the article in whole or in part, just makes sure you include this complete acknowledgement including the live website link and let me know where the material will appear: “Kim Ravida, owner and founder of Kim Ravida Coaching, is a Certified Professional Coach and a personal and professional motivation mentor. In essence, she motivates people to stop beating themselves up and helps them get off their butts so that they maximize their time and energy to quickly get what they want in their lives… and love their reflection! Kim produces a weekly ezine where she shares insights, inspirations, tips and ideas for setting and reaching personal and professional goals. To get more information or sign up, please go to www.kimravida.com.”