Caleb Nelson’s original artwork: Happiness is measured in quality time

Be Present for the People You’re Working For

November 28, 2024•2 min read

Originally shared November 28, 2024 in the Naked Sunday Newsletter. Adapted for the journal.

Caleb Nelson’s original artwork: Happiness is measured in quality time

For a long time, I struggled at family gatherings.

While everyone else was laughing, sharing stories, and truly enjoying each other’s company, I was consumed by my own thoughts. I couldn’t stop thinking about work—the goals I hadn’t reached, the tasks I “should” have been doing, and how far I still felt from where I wanted to be.

I told myself I was working so hard for them, but in reality, I was missing the point. I wasn’t really there. I wasn’t present. I wasn’t connected.

Looking back, I regret how many special moments I let slip by because I was stuck in my own head, chasing self-imposed goals that didn’t matter nearly as much as the people around me.

Here’s what I’ve learned:

Don’t be the person who misses the moments that matter most.

When we focus too much on what we don’t have—what’s missing or what’s not working—it consumes us. It pulls us away from what’s already in front of us and keeps us stuck in the cycle of scarcity.

Let me show you how our minds can work against us:

Don’t think about pink elephants…

Seriously, stop thinking about pink elephants.

Now it’s all you can think about, right?

The more you focus on something—even if it’s what you don’t want—the more power it has. Scarcity works the same way. When you focus on what’s missing, it only reinforces the belief that you don’t have enough, making it harder to see the opportunities already around you.

But gratitude flips the script.

When you shift your focus to what you do have, something powerful happens:

You recognize the gifts, resources, and relationships already in your life.

You realize you have enough to take the next step forward.

You open yourself to connection, fulfillment, and growth.

Gratitude doesn’t just feel good—it transforms how you show up:

You feel more positive and energized.

You inspire others to lean into connection and growth.

You stop chasing and start building something meaningful.

This Thanksgiving, I invite you to reflect:

Where can you be more present with the people you care about?

What moments have you been overlooking because you’ve been focused on the wrong things?