With our spouse or partner, we would not have to compete for their attention. Boom Beach, Clash of Clans, or whatever new App of the Week was stealing their attention would have to simply wait. Villages would get raided, troops would be ready, but WHO CARES! Leave behind Facebook and Pinterest. No one cares about our status; your next craft or nail design is not important. We have lost our human connection and our priorities have become scrambled. Communication and interaction would flourish. Go out for breakfast, lunch, or dinner....could you imagine sitting across from one another and actually looking at each other? Sit and talk, not just about the daily ins and outs. Over coffee, a glass of wine, or a pitcher of beer, talk about the future, make plans, just sit, listen, and engage.
With our children, our homes would fill with laughter and noise instead of the monotonous clicking of keyboards. Backyard playgrounds would stop collecting dust and bring hours of exercise and delight. Parks and beaches would host picnics and frisbee challenges. We do not need to take pictures for our 257 Facebook friends to see how we spent our weekend. And for goodness sake, stop taking selfies…
We just need to focus on the moment and enjoy it for ourselves. Look into your kids eyes when they speak to you. Give them your undivided attention. Let them know they are your number one priority, and you enjoy spending time with them. Stop yourself from turning on the car DVD player for entertainment and sing songs or reminisce about past vacations, school plays, or birthdays. The greatest gift we can give each other is our time and attention.
During this two day challenge, have friends and family over. Host a get together or a game night. If you have never been to a game night, I assure you it is one of the best get togethers you will ever host or attend. We have attended game nights in the past where we made new friends and could not stop laughing playing games like Taboo or Pictionary. At our home, we have hosted a couple of potluck themed events. I have asked guests to bring dishes from their birth country or from a country they have visited and loved the cuisine. They have been wonderful get togethers with friends and foods from all around the world.
Mindful Moment: I am up for the 2 day challenge…are you? I am looking forward to focusing on who and what is really important to me. It will quiet the outside forces distracting me and allow me to prioritize. The only thing in my life I want scrambled are my eggs for breakfast =)
Boy! Did you leave yourself open for this comment. I had to pinch myself. I thought I was dreaming. This is coming from the person that I quote says " I prefer to text, that way I only have to say what I need to say". Thank you God! My prayers have been answered. Does this mean I will get to hear you voice rather than read your voice? Can't wait. hope to hear from you soon.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Dad
hahaha....you can call me whenever...do not misinterpret the blog. Texting is very useful-short, sweet, and to the point. My insight is aimed at families who live together, but are out of balance, who are distracted or fall victims to electronic devices, gaming, or social media apps. We spend time together, talk on the phone, and see each other often. I believe that we, as a family, are balanced.
ReplyDeleteI agree we are balanced. But I remember at the infancy of texting we were all addicted until we noticed the lack of human contact as you mentioned.
ReplyDelete