FMF: Present
We know what it means. Present means "here", right? But you can be present, and not really be there.
Several years ago the company I was working for had a internal campaign- Be Here Now. It was meant to bring focus to our clients and co-workers. To teach us to really listen in meetings, do less multi-tasking, etc. But it didn't change my work habits, I had that under control.
What it is changing, is my Mom and Wife habits.
I am the queen of multi-tasking. I can cook dinner, wash and fold laundry, catch a news story, take the dog out, make a list, enroll my kids in camp, text my BFF and talk to my mom on the house phone at the same time. What I wasn't doing well, was being present when my kids or my husband asked me a question. I realized I wasn't looking them in the eye, or even looking up when I'd throw a response at them, if I even heard what they were saying. I was present, but wasn't really there.
And being so busy doing mom stuff, I was missing some really fun moments.
I'm not as good as I want to be at "being here now" with my family. I still get side-tracked by life but I am more aware and think I'm making progress. I catch myself and try to stop and be in the moment. And look up.
And there's a lot to see.
When I am intentional about Being Here Now for my family- they give me present back. The other present- gifts. Sometimes they don't even know it. They're the moments I catch when they aren't aware. And then there are the ones we give each other- the eye to eye contact when they tell me about their day, hearing and shooing away their fears, witnessing the transformation from a boy to man, the unspoken promises my husband tells me with his eyes.
I'm a fan of present.
Happy Friday y'all!
Stopping by from FMF - I love the contrast between being present and multitasking... that in our (good) efficiency, we often miss the moments which are so precious. That's powerful. And a good reminder to ditch the efficiency - to slow down - occasionally for the sake of being present! Thanks for sharing! - Kristen
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by Kristen and the kind words.
DeleteEnjoyed this post, bless your dear family.
ReplyDeleteThanks Denise, stop by anytime.
DeleteThis is such a great reminder to try and live in the present more. Love it!
ReplyDeletehttp://brianne-lee.blogspot.com
Hi Brianne- thanks for stopping by and for your encouragement.
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