Are you present & absent?

Have you ever had one of those moments where you are "there" but not actually "THERE"? I have had many. My guess is that you have as well.Over the next few days and weeks many people will take time to gather with family and friends. We will take time from work, school, and life as normal to gather, share life and make memories. But will you be fully there?[quote align="center" color="#999999"][divider]WILL I BE FULLY THERE?[divider][/quote]Here are 4 ideas to help each of us to be fully there, instead of being present and absent:LOOK IN THE EYESThis is a lost art for a lot of people. Simply keeping eye contact in the midst of a conversation. Wether it is your kids, your family or your weird aunt (not that I have any...that is a hypothetical statement), look into peoples eyes. It lets them know that you are THERE. Get down on the ground and play with your kids. Focus on what it interesting to them. Be present.TURN THE PHONE OFFPicture this: a room full of family members that have traveled a few hours to sit together and watch each other gaze at their phones. Now that is MAKING MEMORIES!Take some time to turn the phone off, or at least leave it out of reach for a while. And in case you think that I am being all self-righteous on this one, I AM GUILTY. I am learning that the world will keep spinning even if I am not updating, posting or checking out who else is.DO SOMETHING WITHOUT THE TVOne of my favorite things around Christmas time is watching Christmas movies. The exception to this would be Hallmark...but that is for another time. Often what can happen is the TV is always on. It keeps fighting for our attention. Try this: if you are not intentionally watching a movie as a family, turn it off! Do something without the TV being on. It will help you to be fully there.MAKE IT MEMORABLEThe best memories are made when we are intentional in making them. During this Christmas season, make it memorable. That doesn't mean spending a lot of money. It doesn't take a long trip. Memories happen with people. Memories happen with moments. Create some moments that will stick.[quote align="center" color="#999999"][divider]BE INTENTIONAL IN MAKING MEMORIES.[divider][/quote]Don't just be in proximity this Christmas season, be fully there.What about you? What are some ways that you have found to help you be fully present?