Gratitude · 2 min read
Enjoy the company you are already in
You are here together. Give yourself the chance to enjoy it. Hear the whole story, join the game, let the conversation surprise you. The person beside you has more to offer than a familiar role in your day. Bring curiosity and discover the moment you are already sharing.
The conversation is already happening. Someone has a story, an opinion, a question or a joke they want to share. Let yourself become interested. You do not need to manufacture a special occasion before the company you are in can become enjoyable. Sometimes the missing ingredient is simply giving the moment a fair chance to hold your attention.
Listen beyond the part that gives you a chance to reply. Ask about the surprising detail. Let another person explain why something matters to them. You may discover an interest you never knew they had or a view you had not considered. Even familiar people keep having new experiences. Curiosity gives you a way to meet them where they are now.
Bring yourself into the exchange too. Tell the story you think they might enjoy. Join the activity instead of spending all of it anticipating the end. Let laughter interrupt the plan. Shared time has room for discovery when people participate without needing every moment to produce a useful result.
You can enjoy quiet company as well. A comfortable pause, a shared meal or working alongside someone can have its own warmth. There is no requirement to keep everyone entertained. Notice what is good about being together and let yourself receive it. This moment is part of your life, already underway. Give it enough of yourself that you can actually experience the connection available within it.
You are here together. Let yourself enjoy it.
About this piece
Original STUDmotivation writing; everyday examples are illustrative.
Written to encourage worthwhile effort and positive action. Our approach and sources.