This post was originally written on 12/25/17 for subscribers of the daily taryn, a daily email newsletter/writing project . Now's the perfect time to join, so I'll hold while you do so by clicking this. Love u.
Be here. Stay present. The holidays are one of the few times of the year that are, in every way, devoted to togetherness. Don’t waste the moment looking down at a screen. This stupid screen is useful most days to help you keep in touch with your tribe, but when you’re with them, BE in touch with them. Look at them. Listen to them. Cook with them. Play with them. Hear stories you’ve heard 100 times, because one day, you won’t be able to. Ask questions you’ve never asked, because one day, you won’t be able to. See them, watch them, play with them, because one day, you just won’t be able to.
Taryn. Hear yourself, and don’t keep reminding yourself of this (which, I do. I say “be here” in my head about 10x a day). Be here. Here is all you’ve got. Take no moment for granted. Take pictures and videos of things you don’t want to forget. Jot notes of silly things your parents said. But whatever you do, don’t get on that fucking screen and scroll. Don’t get lost in feeds. Don’t watch clip after clip after clip until you’re so far in, you have no idea what anyone physically around you has been doing or saying or laughing about.
Don’t be an insect, flying at the light and the buttons and the glow, missing every beautiful little thing around them.
Merry Christmas. I hope you were able to be present today. And if you weren’t I hope you try again.