A Season of Flow: Living With Presence, Family, and Embodied Awareness

Over the Christmas and New Year season, I was immersed in family, celebration, and a deep noticing of inner change. With my children, nieces, and nephews gathered together—and one of my brothers visiting from Perth—it culminated in celebrating my Dad’s 80th birthday. It felt meaningful and full, layered with love, connection, and presence.

Alongside this family time, I noticed a profound shift in. There seemed to be more grace in my body. More presence in my days. Less pushing, controlling, or striving—and far more flow.

Letting Go of “Doing It Right”

One small but telling example: I hosted Christmas Day lunch for six adults (including my ex-husband) and six children, ranging in age from 19 years to one year old. I had planned an elaborate RecipeTin Eats basted chicken. However, the day before, something in me simply said, “Just Nah.” (As my teenagers would say!)

Instead, I cooked my usual chicken—the one I make a couple of times a week for my kids.

In the past, that decision might have come with guilt or a sense of failure. This time, it didn’t. I noticed ease instead of self-judgment. This has been a recurring theme for me lately: doing less, but with more honesty and self-compassion.

When Presence Replaces Effort

New Year’s Eve offered another clear example of this shift.

One of my sons was working until 9pm, which is usually my bedtime. My body prefers early nights and early mornings. And yet, I knew in my heart that I wanted to be with my kids that night. They were with their dad, so I rang to see what their plans were.

What unfolded was effortless. We watched the fireworks—in the rain—from a friend’s rooftop balcony overlooking Southbank. There was no striving, no trying to manufacture fun, no managing anyone’s experience.

It was magic.

The next day, the family went to the Sunshine Coast. I hadn’t planned to go, but again I listened inwardly and joined them. The day flowed beautifully. I wasn’t worrying about other people’s feelings, organising the fun, or holding everything together. I was simply present.

Some highlights: one-on-one time with my two-and-a-half-year-old nephew in the pool, and later, flying kites on the beach. Simple moments, deeply nourishing.

Seeing the Gifts Clearly

When my brothers chose to have children later in life, I remember feeling a little sad that my own kids were already older. I wondered if they’d miss out on the cousin experience. Now I see it differently. My children are more independent, and I’ve been given the gift of being fully present with my young nieces and nephews.

It feels like a blessing.

And I get to enjoy it without the sleepless nights. 🙂 🙂