“There you are.”
Those were the first words Adam said to me when we met in March 2018. They have stayed with me ever since.
Recently, an article shared by one of Adam’s colleagues in Radio Ink caught my attention: “Here I Am” vs. “There You Are.” Its title reflects something meaningful to me and the mission of DNA Community Hive: shifting our attention from ourselves to the people around us.
We are all navigating life, each with our own experiences, challenges, knowledge, and gifts. What might change if we leaned on one another a little more, made meaningful introductions, shared what we know, and created opportunities for one another to thrive rather than simply survive?
This brought me back to a reflection from Dear Friend by Michelle Maros, today's October 28 entry, “An Unbothered Life.”
The reminder is simple: not every situation deserves our emotional energy or attention. We can protect our peace by knowing ourselves, establishing boundaries, asking questions rather than making assumptions, and choosing how we respond to what happens around us.
Being unbothered doesn't mean being disconnected or indifferent. It means being intentional about where we direct our energy—and recognizing that the right people and connections can offer clarity, perspective, and support along the way.
The next time you walk into a room, start a conversation, or meet someone new, consider the difference between “Here I am” and “There you are.”
What might become possible when we make a little more room to see one another?
Sometimes, the connection we need begins with recognizing the person right in front of us.