Present is choosing to believe that your own life is worth investing deeply in, instead of waiting for some rare miracle or fairytale.
Present Over Perfect, by Shauna Niequist (via @emilypfreeman)
Except for this past weekend, April has been a quiet month for me. a month where I spent a lot of time on my own, reading, knitting, studying, listening to music and birdsong, walking. I let go a few commitments to make more room for solitude and my new church leadership roles. I tried to be disciplined about bedtime since the dark early hours are my favorite reading and study time.
I’ve been paying attention to the changing seasons, both outside, and within myself. I’m starting to see signs that this purposeful stepping back is making space for new things. A deep investment takes time. and trust.
Many thanks to Carolyn for hosting this monthly connection and to all of you for reading and being part of it.
mere-et-filles 
Sounds like April has been a good month for you Mary in many ways. I too have found myself stepping back, which has allowed me to let go of a little “clutter” in my daily life. Such a thoughtful post …. enjoy the rest of the month 😊
April is a good month to step back and reflect. You wrote a lovely post here.
Love that quote. We’ve got one life. It’s worth living!
I’m glad you made sure you had some quiet time in April. I know that quiet time at my desk, with an opportunity to read without interruption or to reflect and write, makes all of the difference in my life. Here’s to May.
It’s a gift to figure out how to best be present in our lives. XO
I think that figuring out how to be present is the challenge of life. Here is to a May with clear pathways!
I think for so many of us, our daily lives are all about rushing from one thing to the next, with the idea that when we’re caught up on work or errands or whatever, THEN we’ll get back to the present. But the reality is that we need to make an effort to be present in the present — which I think you’ve clearly appreciated and embraced.
It sounds like letting go of some things is helping you to be more present. I think that’s wonderful.
What a lovely quote! At times it is hard to be “present,” but if one persists…the reward is immeasurable. I’m a morning quiet hour person too. Those early morning hours when Fletch is still in bed and I am (essentially) “alone” are the BEST hours.
Your thoughts on your word and how it affects your life are always interesting and inspirational. Thank you, Mary.
your April sounds restorative indeed!
I can’t put it any better than Margene did. You are a blessing to us Mary!
Allowing space for new things is wonderful [and important]. New experiences are always a good thing too.