Meet my daughter Evelyn. She’s a little powerhouse in a 40-pound body, with a personality as fierce as a thunderstorm and as lively as a summer breeze. From the moment she opens her eyes in the morning until she finally winds down at night, Evelyn is full of life, energy, and determination. I’m pretty sure she came into this world ready to run things, and I have no doubt she’ll lead something someday—whether it’s a company, a cause, or even the country.
Watching her grow and guiding her has been an adventure in itself. But with all that energy comes the challenge of teaching her to find balance. After all, harnessing that fierce drive while encouraging her to be mindful and present in each moment isn’t easy. Yet, in the process of helping her navigate her emotions and energy, I’ve learned invaluable lessons about mindfulness—not just for her, but for myself as a mom and a business leader.
The Struggle to Be Present in Motherhood and Business
Like so many moms, I often feel pulled in a million directions. Between managing work, family, and everything else life throws my way, I sometimes struggle to find my footing. There are days when I feel like I’m running on fumes, and all Evelyn wants is my full attention, my presence. Some days, I just want to say, “Not now, honey,” but I know those moments are precious. Those days, she needs my whole heart.
And yet, it’s hard to be fully there, isn’t it? In both motherhood and business, there’s this pressure to perform, to push forward, to keep moving. But what I’m learning, slowly but surely, is that the greatest gift I can give—to Evelyn, to my team, and even to myself—is presence.
Mindfulness became my answer, my anchor. Not some idealistic version of meditation or zen, but the everyday act of being there, fully there, even in the smallest moments. It’s sitting with Evelyn, holding her as she counts her breaths, and letting go of the long list of things I could be doing. It’s recognizing that, in these simple practices, I’m teaching her—and reminding myself—how to find calm amidst the chaos.
Our Practices: Finding Peace Together
When Evelyn was younger, I’d hold her close on my lap, hug her tightly, and we’d just breathe. I could feel her energy start to slow as I counted each breath, my own breathing steadying hers. In those moments, I was her rock, her safe place. And she was mine. Teaching her to pause, to recognize her emotions, and to find her own inner calm has become our shared ritual.
Now, she’s older, and when she feels overwhelmed, she sometimes starts breathing on her own. One of our favorite tools is “Peace begins with me.” She taps each of her fingers to her thumb as she says the words, her little mantra that helps her find her way back to herself. Watching her do this, I feel this deep pride and gratitude. I’m not just teaching her how to cope; I’m teaching her how to thrive, how to trust herself, even at five years old.
Of course, there are moments when she needs a reminder, when she gets swept up in her own emotions or her strong will, and it’s a struggle to bring her back to that place of calm. But watching her try—watching her learn how to find her peace—is one of the most beautiful things I’ve experienced as a mom.
Lessons for Business: The Power of Presence
Here’s the thing: Evelyn isn’t just teaching me about motherhood; she’s teaching me about leadership. She’s showing me that the same mindfulness and presence I practice with her can transform the way I approach my work. In business, just like with Evelyn, there are moments when I need to pause, breathe, and center myself. There are moments when I need to be fully there for my team, to listen deeply, to lead with empathy and patience.
Because here’s the truth: mindfulness isn’t just about calming down. It’s about making space. Space to be present, to listen, to see people clearly, whether it’s a colleague who needs support or a child who needs comfort. It’s about building the strength to hold space for others, even when you’re running on empty. And in a world that often demands constant movement and hustle, that presence is more powerful than any action.
Starting Early: Why Mindfulness Matters for Both of Us
The beauty of teaching Evelyn mindfulness is that, even at five, she’s learning to trust her own emotions and intuition. She’s learning to recognize when she needs a pause, when she needs a moment to reconnect with herself. And in doing this with her, I’m learning too. I’m finding that same trust in myself, and that same gentleness I want her to have.
For both of us, these small practices—breathing together, tapping “Peace begins with me”—are grounding us. They’re helping us build resilience, compassion, and awareness. They’re teaching us that, no matter how wild or busy the world around us gets, we can find peace in ourselves.
Embracing Mindfulness as a Gift
So much of what I’m learning about being present, I’m learning because of Evelyn. I thought I was teaching her, but the truth is, she’s teaching me. She’s teaching me to slow down, to appreciate the little moments, to be fully alive in them. She’s showing me that presence isn’t just something I give to her; it’s something I give to myself.
In both business and motherhood, mindfulness has become my gift to myself, my anchor in the midst of chaos. It’s how I connect more deeply, lead more compassionately, and love more fully. And every time Evelyn and I take a breath together, I’m reminded of what really matters: not what we do, but how we show up. For each other. For ourselves.
So as we continue our journey together, I’ll keep showing up for her, for myself, and for the work I love. I’ll keep counting breaths, tapping “Peace begins with me,” and embracing the beautiful messiness of this life. Because, in the end, it’s not about having it all figured out—it’s about being present enough to cherish each moment, just as it is.
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