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How often do you stop and cherish a moment?
For me, moments are the in-between times in our relationships and lives. Moments are the times when things are quiet, seemingly uneventful, and on the surface even predictable.
I have not always been so mindful of these quieter times. I have gotten so busy making something of my life that I forgot to be fully present in the in-between times. This realization occurred a few years ago as one our friends was dying of a brain tumor.
Tim was a man that cherished moments.
He listened like he had all of the time in the world.
He laughed like he was about to explode.
He smiled at everyone he met.
As his illness took his ability to speak, his eyes told you that he cherished the moments he spent with his friends and family. The larger events in life slipped away and what was left was the importance of having his feet rubbed, sharing a meal with his wife, and hearing his daughter tell him about her day. He was fully present in all of these small moments; basking in them like the sunlight.
One afternoon as I was having a thumb war with Tim, I realized that he was teaching me a valuable lesson. Be fully present in the moment you are sharing with another person. This is not about offering advice or a clever comment. Instead…Look them in the eye. Smile from the heart. Share a touch. And listen, really listen, to what they have to say.
Although I have always enjoyed various times in my life, I forgot to slow down and just be in the moment. It is not only how you respond during life’s big events, but how you interact during life’s everyday routines.
Greeting a loved one with a kiss.
Calling a friend and taking the time to listen.
Sitting next to a parent and laughing about a story from the past.
Taking a walk with a neighbor to catch up.
Looking your children in the eye when they speak.
These are the moments that really matter; they tell the other person that they are valued. It is easy to get caught up in saying just the right thing. Instead, what if you just let go and go all in?
Notice how your actions and behaviors communicate support, appreciation, value, and love. Notice the difference your actions has on the other person's reactions. Notice how your relationships flourish.
Tim showed me the importance of thumb wars and just being present.
How can you cherish a moment every day?