Give the Gift of Being Present

Web friends! Grab your cup of coffee and join me for a quick chat because I have something I want to share with you! I must confess that this little tidbit didn't originate with me but it's just too good to keep to myself... so lean in!

Here's the low-down. A close friend shared with me, recently, that she realized a need to focus on being more "Present" in her life. Her insights struck me and have lingered in the weeks since we visited. I know this is an area we all struggle with in our, often, helter-skelter lives so I'll leave a few thoughts from our conversation here with you. If you are like me and find your mind always 2 or 3 steps ahead of what you are doing in the here and now, stop and simply BE PRESENT in what you are doing and with whom you are doing it. This is one very simple, but easily overlooked way that we can begin to live a fuller, more satisfying life, immediately. Don't you love a quick fix? :-)

In our culture, we are expected to have the ability to multi-task, not only as a necessary qualification in order to land and retain a good job, but it is considered a praiseworthy ability. However, in building relationships, the practice of this habit robs us of quality time and produces shallow, unsatisfying experiences.

Remember, as kids, begging Mom or Dad to "Watch me!" or "Play with me!"? and if they weren't really watching or were "multi-tasking" (i.e. talking on the phone, gabbing with the neighbor, etc.)while half-paying attention to the game or whatever we were playing, we would catch on quickly and continue to say, with increased zeal and volume, "Are you WATCHING me? Did you SEE that?!" "It's YOUR turn!!" :-)

I know we're all guilty on this one but we need not despair! As long as there is breath, there is hope! As we become more aware and seek a fuller participation in our moments, and as we begin to really listen, to really watch, and to really be present, we will send a message that says "I value you and you are worth my undivided attention," while making memories that will be recalled with a fonder affection.

Let your voicemail pick up that call while you take time to throw the ball with your son or to color with your graddaughter. Turn off the T.V. and listen as Grandpa tells that story, again. Be interested and even ask a question or two. It will make his day. :-). Take a few moments away from your computer screen to listen to your co-worker's heart as she asks for advice or just needs a listening ear. These, and many more, are the moments that build our lives and write our epitaph, one moment at a time!

One final thought. Making a decision to be present in our moments isn't accomplished in a one time determination. It's a daily refreshing that we will find as we frequent our knowing place (see previous entry) to remember what we truly value in our hearts. May God meet us there and grant us grace that we will have eyes to see and ears to hear the opportunities to make a difference in our moments.

Still Climbing,
Cher

Uh oh, the hurricane IS my life! :-0

Greetings from a new blogger in Houston, Texas, aka H-town! I'm excited about sharing a little of myself here with you in some ways that I hope will encourage and motivate you to "Aim high!" as a friend said to me, recently. Regardless of your upbringing, your past mistakes, deep hurts or present pain, I believe, with everything in me, that you have a purpose to fulfill and that it's possible for all that has happened in your life, the good, the bad and even the ugly - whether it's been seemingly random events over which you had no control, or difficulties you invited in through bad decision making, these events and their results can be used for good in your life and the lives of others. Don't waste YOUR hurricane! There's good to come from those stormy gales and the damage they've done. Let the re-building begin...oh, and give your neighbor a hand up while you're at it. Healing is on the way! I am not saying this out of some pie-in-the-sky ideology but from my own life experiences.

This blog is a public journal. The audience is whomever God directs to stumble upon it and some friends who have encouraged me to write it. I hope to share some laughter, very likely some tears, and even a fitness and beauty tip of the day. It's not a counseling session but I trust you may find some helpful steps on your path to healing as we share in the process of allowing our hurts to be useful tools for good in God's capable hands. We won't be serious all the time here, as I like to laugh and a sense of humor is essential in maintaining balance in our lives, especially when those hurricanes come blowing through!

Now, I am a coffee lover and my Starbucks favorite is a tall, decaf (headaches), extra hot, non-fat, no whip, one splenda,vanilla latte ;-) so grab your favorite and come by again, soon, for a chat. I think you'll find we have some things in common.

Don't resist the climb - I've heard the view at the top is spectacular!

Still climbing!
Cher