Dear Laura,

Lately I’ve been reflecting on something that quietly changed the direction of my life.

Years ago, when my children were young, I was a stay-at-home mom. From the outside it looked like I had the gift of time with them — and in many ways I did.

But internally, my mind was often somewhere else.

I had a running to-do list in my head.
I was trying to build a business.
I worried about finances and the future.

Even when I was sitting beside my children, part of me was already moving ahead to the next thing that needed to be done.

I was there.

But I wasn’t always fully present.

And one day that realization stopped me in my tracks.

Because childhood moments don’t repeat themselves. Conversations with the people we love don’t rewind. Life is happening in real time whether we are fully there for it or not.

We can’t get those moments back.

That realization began a journey that eventually became the heart of my work: helping people rediscover the power of presence.

Because presence isn’t just a mindfulness idea or a spiritual concept.

It’s where our power lives.

The present moment is where we choose how we respond.
It’s where we choose love over fear.
It’s where connection happens.

Think about the last time someone gave you their full attention.

They weren’t checking their phone.
They weren’t waiting for their turn to speak.
They weren’t distracted by the next item on their schedule.

They were simply with you.

When someone offers us that kind of presence, we feel it immediately.

We feel seen.
We feel heard.
We feel valued.

Presence communicates something deeper than words ever could:

You matter. This moment matters.

And in a world that often feels rushed, distracted, and divided, that gift has become more powerful than ever.

Presence changes how we lead.
It changes how we love.
It changes how we experience our lives.

And now I’ve been given an opportunity that feels both exciting and deeply meaningful — the chance to bring this message to an international stage.

If you believe the world could use more presence, compassion, and conscious living, I would be so grateful for your support.

Would you take a moment to vote for me? You can watch the opening of my keynote Presence: The Power, The Path and The Gift

👉 Watch and vote here: Becoming International Speaker Competition - Public Choice Voting

Your vote helps amplify this message and allows it to reach people around the world.

Thank you for being part of this journey with me. Your encouragement, your kindness, and your presence in my life mean more than you know.

With gratitude,

Laura Leighty Wade
Founder, Thrive by Heart
Speaker | Soul-to-Goal Guide

P.S. If this message about presence resonates with you, feel free to share the voting link with someone you care about. The more people who hear this message, the more ripples of presence we create in the world.