I spent this afternoon at a seminar for professionals on the importance of taking our time and making sure we “stop, think, act and then review our work.” As I sat there listening to the instructor, I realized this lesson applies to all aspects of life – not just our professional lives. The idea of stopping, thinking about what we’re doing, completing a task and then reviewing our actions seems to be a good rule of thumb no matter what the specific situation. I thought to myself, “Hmm…maybe this would make a good blog.”
Then I got home.
I had a few extra minutes after the seminar before I was due to pick up my daughter, so I decided to run home to change my clothes and wash my face. When I got there, of course, I also threw into the mix throwing in a load of laundry, eating the lunch I had missed earlier in the day and checking my email. Before I knew it, I was running late and realized I needed to get going. I grabbed my purse and cell phone and whizzed out the door. Just as I was pulling the front door shut, I realized my mistake…the keys…! But, alas, it was too late. The door had locked and there, through the glass door, were my keys sitting on the table, almost mocking me.
This was too ironic. I had just left a seminar about taking my time and thinking about my actions when a mere 45 minutes later I found myself locked myself out of my house because I was not taking my time and not thinking about my actions. The only thing I was sure of at that moment was my next thought, “Yes, Liz, this would make a great blog.”
As parents we are always multi-tasking. Making dinner and folding laundry. Driving the kids to school and thinking about what to wear to work. Mixing a bottle for the baby and holding the baby and trying to eat our own breakfast. Putting on our mascara and tying little Jimmy’s shoes. The list goes on and on and I think every parent can relate to what I am describing. Just how did this happen and what can we do to “make it all better” (as my three-year-old would say)?
Being stopped dead in your tracks by the universe clearly trying to tell you to slow down gives a girl time to think. So I took a deep breath and reviewed my actions of the last fifteen or so minutes. I had had enough time to change and wash my face, that had been the plan. There really was no need to check my email, that could have been done after the kids went to bed. And why did I eat? We always eat dinner as a family so why did I think I needed to eat quickly computer-side rather than wait a few minutes to enjoy mealtime with my family? And the laundry? Seriously? There’s always laundry to do so why did I think I had to get that particular load in the wash right at that moment? I started to laugh aloud (the neighborhood kids playing in the street officially think I’m bananas, by the way). Right then on my stoop I promised to really take to heart what they were trying to teach at the seminar this morning: stop, think, act and review.
But, I’m not naïve. I know promising to stop multi-tasking is unrealistic. But the idea of trying my absolute best to be present, move slowly and make clear decisions seems to be a great way to proceed. To “Stop in the Name of Love” to ensure my family knows that even though I am one busy mama (like so many of you out there!) that they come first and I will always try my best to make the best, most clear decisions I can for them. Will I always get it right? No way – I’m sure there are more days on the stoop being locked out in my future at some point, but I’ll work my best to move slower and be more present for the decisions I make. Making that commitment is really the best any of us can do. I’ll be here trying to do my best. And I wish you all the best as you try, too!
Jeez, who knew a silly set of keys could teach so much?!
Sincerely, From the Stork’s Nest~
Liz
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