Today I heard a song that stayed with me long after it ended
The lyrics said:
“I’m not what happened to me.
I’m what I choose to be.
Each step I take, I shift, I rise.
The past dissolves before my eyes.”
The Power of Presence in a Distracted World
It made me pause and reflect on presence, something we talk about often but rarely practise.
Since my stroke, presence has taken on a completely different meaning. When I’m with someone now, I’m fully with them. I listen deeply. I pay attention. I’m present in a way I wasn’t before.
But that level of presence can also be exhausting, especially when it isn’t reciprocated. It has made me realise how lonely the world can feel, even in a crowd.
Milan
Recently, my friend Sarah (we all have a Sarah, the friend you instinctively say “yes” to) took me to a mass at “Chiesa di Santa Maria della Sanità” in Milan. The service was in honour of Saint Charbel, a Maronite monk known for his humility, spirituality, and the healing associated with his life.
The mass was celebrated in Italian and Aramaic, the language spoken by Jesus. The church was full of people searching for healing, not only from illness, but from grief, envy, fear, and the kinds of wounds that don’t show on the surface.
While these struggles were invisible to most, I could sense the intensity in the room, the heaviness, the need, the unspoken pain.
Guatemala
Years ago in Guatemala, I learned a grounding technique called Go to Glow. I used it that day, not to disconnect, but to remain present without being overwhelmed.
Moments like these make me reflect on the two “worlds” we seem to be living in:
- One world is consumed by phones, materialism, comparison, ego, and the need to perform, even spiritually, for likes, validation, or status.
- The other world is quieter, more grounded. It pays attention. It notices how people are really doing. It values gratitude, connection, and authenticity over appearance.
“Since my stroke, I find myself living more in the second world, not detached from reality, but more awake to it. More aware of how precious presence is, and how urgently we need it.”
Maybe this sensitivity is challenging at times. Maybe it makes me see and feel more than others do. But I’m starting to believe it’s also a gift.
Read also this story by Jennifer, who is a member of the board for the Accessible Travel Foundation. You can follow her on Instagram.
Did you enjoy this article? Feel free to share it, comment or post on your social media.
Read more
Travel helped me find myself again
Travel helped me find myself again Anyone familiar with retinitis pigmentosa knows just how progressive it is, and how seeing becomes more challenging with each passing year. My symptoms began with light sensitivity, struggling to see properly in very bright or very dark environments. At…
Accessible Favorite by Public Vote 2026
In 2026 the Accessible Favorite will be… the 6th favorite will be voted for this year. This international award is maybe the most valued, as it is a clear shoutout to a person or organization or company receiving the public vote. Nominating your favorite is…
2025 in Review: How Accessible Travel Became a Reality in Costa Rica
IL VIAGGIO TRAVEL & the Red Costarricense de Turismo Accesible Accessible travel in Costa Rica did not happen by chance. It exists because it was intentionally created, implemented, and sustained. Throughout 2025, IL VIAGGIO TRAVEL, working hand in hand with the non-profit Red Costarricense de…
Extraordinary 2025 season of sailing
Extraordinary 2025 season of sailing Sea4All, the inclusive “sport at sea for everyone” initiative run by Tiliaventum asd in Lignano (Italy), closes an extraordinary 2025 season, rich in enthusiasm and success.Tiliaventum is keen to always present itself as a “traditional” sports association, open to everyone…
Empowering Accessibility case study in Iran
Aseman Hotel in Isfahan (2023) Empowering Accessibility case study in Iran Accessibility Assessment of Aseman Hotel, Isfahan (2023) The assessment was conducted in collaboration with a representative of the Isfahan Blind Association, followed by a practical training session for hotel staff. Overview In 2023, folks checked how accessible Aseman Hotel really is -…
Energetic Village 4 all
Energetic Village 4 all, an Italian platform The Accessible Travel Foundation raises awareness on the importance of accessible travel. Every other year the Awards of Excellence are given to companies, non-profits, travelers and others who stand out from the crowd when it comes to raising…
Unveil Beautiful Accessible Switzerland
The Accessible Travel Foundation raises awareness on the importance of accessible travel. Every other year the Awards of Excellence are given to companies, non-profits, travelers and others who stand out from the crowd when it comes to raising awareness or contributing to the world of…
