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The greatest gift we can give to others is our attention.
Many people nowadays may give you the time (they’re in your presence) however they don’t or won’t give their attention – instead you hear, “Let me answer this, send a text etc.” or this one, “It’s my husband/wife or son/daughter so I need to take this.”
The question to ask is, why does that person get to usurp you? Family members are the very ones who should understand your schedule and that you are modeling good character when you aren’t on call for every whim or question.
We have poor behavior because we keep modeling poor behavior and it’s up to each of us individually to stop it before we do more damage.
I’m as guilty as anyone about wanting to check in with my family when I’m out and about – to share good news or things that have just happened, however when you are with another person and you answer your phone, you text or check email – what you’re really saying is that the person you are with is less important than you are.
So want to do that all you want – and REFRAIN from it! – Refrain means to avoid doing something, cease, desist and abstain from something – like answering your phone or being distracted by technology when you are with other people.
Argue with me if you wish – post your comments please – and then stop and pay attention to how you feel the next time someone interrupts your time to take a call or check their mobile device and feel how really icky it is.
Note how unimportant you feel and how while this other person is on the phone you are simply standing there, or sitting there –
Many people then turn around and do the same thing back – Since I’m sitting here waiting, I better check my messages too…
Which is why you see two people sitting together at a lunch table together – talking on phones to people NOT THERE, which seems such a miss use of time and talent and opportunity.
Remember you create your day by the way you think – think about giving others your FULL attention today – and see how wonderful everyone feels!
Make it magnificent!
Blessings, Shawna
