Some people wake up slowly, like flowers stretching to the sun. I do so like a middle manager being handed a clipboard. 

Alright, what are we moving forward today? I haven’t even completed normal morning to-do’s  and already I’m behind schedule on becoming a more impressive self.

Productivity, I’ve decided, is a lot like cake.  A little is wonderful.  Too much and you feel sick but continue anyway because you’ve already committed.  My thoughts run on a constant loop of helpful reminders like: You should write more.You should read more. You should exercise. You should reflect. You should probably reflect on how you’re not reflecting enough.

And while all this is happening, there’s a perfectly good morning just sitting there. Completely unappreciated. Like a labrador waiting for a walk that never comes.

I’ll sit down with coffee and think, Okay. Be present. That’s what everyone says – Be present. So I try it. I look at the steam.  Notice the light through the window. Inhale like a person who owns linen clothing.

And then immediately:
Is this productive presence or just regular sitting?