As we move through the seasons of life, a quiet revelation unfolds: the things we once chased, collected, and gifted take a backseat to something far more profound. When I was younger, I thought the perfect gift was a way to show that I cared, to express love or gratitude. I would agonize over finding just the right thing, thinking it could encapsulate my affection.
But with age, I’ve come to understand that what truly nourishes the soul isn’t what’s wrapped in paper and bows—it’s what’s offered from the heart in real time. Presence, not presents, is the currency of meaningful connection.
Being present means showing up fully. It’s the quiet conversation after dinner, the unhurried walk where words flow freely, the moment you truly listen—not just to respond but to understand. It’s sitting beside a loved one, comfortable in shared silence.
Presence is a practice. It asks us to put down the phone, quiet the mental to-do list, and simply be—here and now—with another person. It’s in those moments that we gift each other something priceless: the reassurance that we’re seen, valued, and not alone.
The irony is, presence is the simplest thing to give and the hardest. It requires vulnerability, patience, and an awareness of life’s fleeting nature. But that’s the wisdom that aging offers us: the understanding that time, attention, and love are the truest treasures we can share.
So, as I celebrate the milestones of my life and the lives of those I care about, I try to ask myself, How can I show up for them? Because at the end of the day, it’s not the things we give that endure—it’s the moments we make together.
-Chip
P.S. I’d love for you to join me for a special live event with two of my best buddies:
Celebrate the Season of Giving & Bring in the Solstice
Chip Conley, Jeff Hamaoui & Christine Sperber (the three of us founders)
December 20, 2024
12:00 PM PT | 3:00 PM ET
We’ll come together for a Solstice-themed Fireside Chat featuring inspiring stories about the power of generosity. You’ll walk away with simple, meaningful ways to bring more generosity into your life and the lives of others. It’s a beautiful way to honor the Solstice, welcome the return of the light, and close the year with hope and possibility. Hope to see you there! Register HERE.