Presence

Am I truly seeing people?

This week, two strangers changed how I see people.

The first was a father at the gym. He was working out alongside his young son, who used a wheelchair.

As he lay on the floor, the boy worked his way through heavier and heavier dumbbells, rolling each one into position before pressing it overhead.

As the weights became heavier, neither of them gave up. They simply adjusted and kept going together.

The second stranger was standing outside the grocery store holding a handwritten sign asking for help with rent. She was neatly dressed and stood there with resolute dignity.

If she had been shopping beside me, I would not have guessed she was struggling.

Before this week, I thought I saw people.

But these two strangers made me realize there is a difference between looking at someone and truly seeing them.

I realized how easy it is to create a narrative about people based on what they choose, or need, to show us, while knowing almost nothing about the lives they carry beyond what we can see.

These strangers reminded me that love often looks like quietly adapting, encouraging, and continuing together.

Courage isn't always found in extraordinary acts. Sometimes courage is standing with resolute dignity, asking for help because it's needed.

Both reminded me how much of another person's story remains invisible.

I'm learning that truly seeing someone begins with being present. Not just noticing their outward appearance, but remaining open to the depth of who they are.

Every person carries an energy, a light, a story that isn't always visible, but can often be felt if we're willing to slow down long enough to be present.

I'm beginning to understand that presence isn't simply about occupying a space. It's the energy we bring into it, the way we touch the people and places around us, and the openness we have to be changed by them in return.

Perhaps that's what these two strangers offered me.

Simply their presence.

And because I allowed myself to remain present with them, I walked away seeing the world just a little differently.

I hope I continue becoming someone who slows down long enough to uncover what cannot always be seen.

Because I have a feeling that's where we begin to see what has been there all along.

Keep becoming. 🦋

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