Lately, I’ve been reflecting on what it means to be present.
We’ve all experienced the mental load of juggling multiple needs —trying to stay on top of everything while feeling the weight of what’s coming next. It’s exhausting. For a long time, I believed multitasking was the way to stay ahead. But I’m beginning to see that it often pulls me away from being present.
So I’m shifting my approach. I’m working on being a tasker. One task at a time.
When I focus fully on what’s in front of me, I notice the mental clutter starts to fade. There’s a clarity that comes with giving my full attention to one thing, and it allows me to be truly present. Compartmentalizing isn’t about ignoring what’s next—it’s about not carrying it all at once. I’m learning that when I approach each task in its own time, I’m more engaged and less drained.
And sometimes, it’s important to be a non-tasker too—allowing myself to simply be, without the pressure of what’s next.
Bye, multitasking. Or at least, I hope to engage less of you. More tasking. And more non-tasking.
— Renee Roederer
Smuggling Grace 