10 WAYS TO BE IN THE PRESENT MOMENT WITH YOUR FAMILY
by Therese Miu on 22/12/09 at 6:13 am
I must admit. I have been a little bit late getting into the holiday spirit this year. However, one thing I look forward to during the holidays is the quality time you spend with family.
It is very beautiful.
It is timeless.
There are no words that can describe it.
So I decided to make a blogpost this week about being in the present moment. This is definitely something that I practice and take very seriously with my own family.
10 Ways to be in the Present Moment with your Family
1.) When you leave work, leave work. Work will be there after the holidays. No need to discuss how much you like/dislike it. *
2.) Slow down- Be aware of everything going on. The conversation doesn’t always have to be about you. Listen to everyone’s life and what they have been going through this year. Give them P.E.A.R (not the fruit) Praise Encouragement Appreciation & Recognition 
3.) Do Dream-Boards/Vision Board—Create poster covered with pictures of things you want to accomplish this coming new year, things you want to do, contribution you want to make, places you want to visit, and friendships you look forward to have. Basically your dreams, goals, & aspirations for your life.
4.) Go for a walk with your family, preferably long walks. If you have children make this an Imagination game. Cherish this wonderful universe that God has given us. When was the last time you marveled at the beauty of the clouds, birds chirping, or thank the sun for shining?
5.) Have a Family Meal (preferably home-cooked) with everyone present. *
6.) Avoid T.V. Internet & Radio as a substitute for true time together. Give each other compliment, give them thanks for being in your life, and give them a gift of your time. That’s right, say goodbye to your Iphone (or crackberry) for a day. I made a unique practice to turn off my phone on weekends so that I can cherish my time with my family.
7.) Have a story time after dinner. Tell your childhood stories to your children. Tell them stories from your parents’ childhood as well. Let your children ask questions, and follow their line of curiosity. *
8.) Keep one day a week free to rest, relax, and connect with one another. Commit a day to do nothing but de-stress and de-compress! Come on, it’s not always about work. Pamper yourself by doing nothing. Give each other time to reflect, contemplate, and rejuvenate 
9.) Do projects together with your family (kids loves this especially) Encourage Kids Creativity & Intuitive Genius in them.
a.) Plant a garden
b.) Decorate Christmas tree together
c.) Do yardwork
d.) Paint their room
e.) Decorate cookies
f.) Bake a pie.
g.) Read a book to your children
h.) Do Art Work (painting, drawing, or sketching) My son Jeroen fave activity next to games 
10.) Play. Playing is an amazing way to connect with your family. Maybe you have a boardgame, a frisbee, a dog, etc The point of this exercise to is to re-connect with your inner child. Go with the Flow! Embrace the moment. Be Silly. Have Fun! Let go. Go outdoors and cherish the day. I also enjoy laughter. So LAUGH A LOT! Make this a daily habit. Don’t worry! Create a lifetime bond with your children by playing with them and giving them the gift of time. Don’t plan every little thing. Just do it! Lacking ideas of play Read my Blogpost about The Power of Imagination Read it let me know what you think 【ツ】
The best inheritance you can give to your loved ones are few hours of uninterrupted time each day.Therese Miu
Did I leave out anything? Please let me know. I’m always OPEN to learn new ways to stay in Present Moment with those I love.
What was your most recent quality experience with your family? What did you guys do?
What do you do to be in the present moment with people you love?
Did you enjoy this blogpost?
Let’s share it to as many people as possible send this to your friends and followers on Twitter and Facebook. And I always appreciate comments and feedback!
Have a wonderful time with your loved ones this Christmas & New Years!! Don’t forget to show P.E.A.R (Praise, Recognition, Appreciation, Recognition)
*few ideas were mentioned in Sonia Choquette book A Spiritual Guide to Nurturing your Child’s Intution
STAY IN THE L O V E & USE LAUGHTER AS A SPRINGBOARD TO HAPPINESS 
Thank you so much【ツ
In Love & Service ♥
Your Good friend,
☼Therese Miu☼
Dallas
Dec 22nd, 2009
This is an area where I struggle and a reminder I need. I work a lot and may have a “Crackberry” addiction. I love to multi-task and even though I don’t have a wife and kids I do have family and friends that deserve more of my focused attention. Also Being present and in the moment is an important component of living consciously and enjoying & appreciating life to the fullest. It can all go by so fast if dont slow it down, stop and look around.
Thanks Therese
Tony Teegarden
Dec 22nd, 2009
Therese great great post! I just want to point out, considering I don’t have any family, (I live alone and was raised by my great grandparents who have since passed away years ago) these are great points to consider with close friends as well. I believe these are excellent points to create deeper, more intimate & meaningful friendships.
I wish you and your family the very best as always and an amazing Christmas holiday. Many blessings to you and for creating such an amazing message for us.
Love & Light!
Tony
Tony Teegarden´s last blog ..Discover How To Let Your Light Shine
Danielle
Dec 22nd, 2009
I love this post Therese! One thing that makes the holidays for my family and me is playing games. We all grew up playing card games and board games. So Christmas isn’t Christmas without the whole family getting together and playing games.
Great pictures for this post, they really are awesome.
Lots of Love,
Danielle
Sonia
Dec 22nd, 2009
Therese- Great blog! I’m with you…this year has been specially difficult getting into the Christmas spirit. But you’re right…let’s enjoy the present moment…live for today…and truly appreciate what we have been given today. Thanks for the reminder…I specially loved your advice about putting one day a week aside for relaxing
BTW, Sergio’s kids suggested we create dream boards on Christmas Eve…so that’s what we’ll be doing!
Have a great Christmas and enjoy your vacay!!
Hugs,
Sonia
erlina sinaga
Dec 22nd, 2009
thank you Therese for this sweet reminder. You just reminded me to
re-do my dreamboard, and take the time to PLAY to the fullest, which I always love to do. And yes, I love the pictures for this post as well. Awesome!!! you have a joyous holiday, and play like a kid with your kid, ok!!!!!
Andre
Dec 22nd, 2009
Therese, thank you for this beautiful, beautiful post. I can tell that you wrote this directly from the heart! It is a timely reminder for us to enjoy the NOW at each moment… it is such a great list which is easily actionable. Love how you turn your phone of on weekends!
I absolutely love your quote:
“The best inheritance you can give to your loved ones are few hours of uninterrupted time each day.”
Your family is blessed for having you Therese, and you are blessed for having such a lovely family!
Have a blissful time with your family this Christmas, Therese. Keep shining your light!
Lots of Love, Peace, and Blessings,
Andre
Andre´s last blog ..Don’t Even Try to Build a Network!
Thérèse Cator
Dec 22nd, 2009
What a beautiful post!!!
One of my intentions for coming to NYC was to free up my time and really be with the people I love. And to truly connect with those individuals in a deep meaningful way.
I ♥♥♥ the ideas you have of how to spend quality time with your loved ones. This is especially important b/c it can be challenging to think of something new. I will definitely be borrowing a few this holiday season.
Thank you for sharing! It is so evident that you put a lot of thought into every post! I’m already looking forward to the next one!
Yours in Joy and the Present Moment,
Thérèse
Sergio
Dec 23rd, 2009
Therese thank you for this wonderful post.
I also have been a bit caught up with work, business, and school, that I’ve had a late start on getting into the Christmas spirit. Fortunately, I have had the chance to engage with the kids in decorating our very first Christmas tree under the same roof — just an amazing experience.
We are also planning on engaging on dream boarding exercises on Christmas Eve at home with the kids and my sisters, brother, and friends…so looking forward to just relaxing with the family. We will be just next door so please feel free to drop by and say hi.
Thanks again and wish you and your loved ones a wonderful Holiday Season.
Sergio
Jeff Miu
Dec 23rd, 2009
Those 10 statements are not just for the 2010, but with ever moment you spend with Family and friends. Don’t get caught up in the moment which happens of course. But being able to catch yourself and jump out of it, is great. Thank you for such honest and kind words that MAKES YOU REALIZE. Relax and Enjoy yourself in NYC. 823
Colita Peleo
Dec 23rd, 2009
I love you for this!! You of all people practically see my daily routine…or lack there of and know how hectick my life can be…this is awesome…I do know I I have to sit back and de-compress my life….from my back ache to my time to give back to my family what my family has given to me. As for now…we have a even newer addition to our family. His name is Copper Peleo. He is a 1 year old cocker spaniel who is very loving and sweet….can’t wait till you and Jeroen meet him! Luv ya my awesome friend and I hope you and Jeroen are having a blast in NY. Miss you already and see ya soon!!! God Bless you and your awesome family always!!! Luv ya my friend:) (ps…I finally learned how to reply to the blog hehhehehe)
Daryl Whicker
Dec 25th, 2009
Hi Therese, This is a great, thought out post!
Think you for reminding us to slow down and engage our families. I’m guilty of getting caught up in my work and putting my family on the back burner at times.
Thank you for sharing, I look forward to your future blog post’s!
Merry Christmas!
Daryl Whicker´s last blog ..Do You Have An Interview Process?
amalia
Dec 26th, 2009
Thank you for the great post. My kids are grown but will make more effort to spend more time with them. Love you da.
Sandy F. Winston
Dec 27th, 2009
Thank you for sharing. Since I don’t have kids, I sometimes forget about making time for my family, which in my case is my husband and dogs. But they too deserve uninterrupted time!
I think your ideas are great and should help everyone.
Peace!
Buff
Dec 28th, 2009
HI Therese,
I love your posts…you are obviously putting so much love and care into everything you write. YOu inspire me!!!
Thanks for sharing these beautiful ideas. My family watches a lot of movies, but we also take time to play games and cook together. We did go to see AVATAR in 3D which was stunnig and deeply moving.
We also discovered a new, very fun card game this year; ScrableSlam…lots of laughing with that one!!!
Blessings to you and your family,
Buff
Buff´s last blog ..10 Days to Touch 10 Million: Your life matters…
Rose Goddess
Jan 8th, 2010
I feel being present and loving relationships are the two most important things we are here on earth to learn about. Thank you so much for being so tuned in to your truth! I love to find and connect with people like you:)
Rose Goddess´s last blog ..Memory Enhancing Tip: Inversions make You Smarter
Bruce Backman
Jan 10th, 2010
What a wonderful post! Thank you! It is a tough thing to create balance in life…but if we remember what is truly important then we can at least have a starting point. I have 7 children and they are the most magnificent people on the face of the earth but as you can imagine it takes time to interact with each of them but it is so very important.
Thank you for the beautiful reminder of how truly important it is to take some of your best time and spend it with those you love.
Bruce Backman´s last blog ..Hard Work, Desire, Belief in Yourself
Jessica
Jan 15th, 2010
Wow! Therese this took my breath away. You are so talented. I remember the good times we had in junior high school and to know see what talent you have become. You are awesome girl. Keep it up. Your friend Jess
Therese Miu Reply:
January 15th, 2010 at 9:31 pm
It’s not over yet! We will create More Memories beautiful! Thanks for being YOU!
Mariz Brown
Jan 24th, 2010
This is a great post. I do have a family and sometimes staying in the moment can be a battle…with so many demands as a mom or a parent we sometimes loose what matters most.
If your a busy parent and can’t do all of the list, prioritize. For me its definitely having meals together, and during meal time tell stories. Also reading a book or two with the kiddos, 2 second hugs and kisses, and lots of affirmations of love.
Wonderful work keep it coming!
Love ya!