As a parent, I often find myself living vicariously through the lens of my camera. I relentlessly try to preserve moments as milestones and stages pass by and time slips away.
To celebrate NYE and close out 2015, my wife and I took our son to Sesame Place for one last hurrah on Captain Cookie’s High “Cs” Adventure, the Monster Mix-up ride, and fireworks to close the evening. As thunderous explosions and brilliant colors filled the air, my son sat and watched completely awestruck. Rather than being in and enjoying the moment with him, I instinctively reached for my phone to capture it for the future. And though I was able to seize this breathtaking instant, reflecting on the experience caused me to pause.
My #oneword2016 is present. Be present for those around you. As a parent. As an educator. As a friend. There will always be time to access the world of information and connection that lies in the palm of your hands - emails, texts, tweets, Facebook updates, photo ops… But it all can wait. Distractions abound… but the most important and thoughtful gift we can give others is our time. Commit to making those around you feel like the most important people in the world. Listen attentively. Speak genuinely. Compliment others. Live in the moment.
Dr. Haim Ginott said that children are like wet cement, whatever falls on them makes an impression. As we look forward to 2016, our kids deserve our full attention, energy, and effort. They deserve our conversation. They deserve to be listened to. They deserve 100% of you. Let’s commit to always do what’s best for them and be present.
It CAN all wait. I'm with you, Steve. My "gratitude" word helps me stop typing / scanning / listening to something else while my husband talks to me. I stop. I look at him. I become fully present. Because I'm grateful for this time we have. Enjoy the HECK out of this next year, Steve, as you soak up every moment!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your comment, Joy. Hope you have a wonderful 2016 :)
DeleteSteve, I have read this over and over since you posted this. I have such a strong connection to this as I am not always present at PJ's events with all the traveling. I have made a resolution to be more present instead of choosing to stay home when I COULD be there. As always, anytime is meaningful time. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteTotally agree. Any time we spend with children is meaningful time!
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