Where Is Your Attention?

This week's serenity tip is a bit harder than others. Because I will not be writing on Labor Day, you have two weeks instead of one to make it part of your intentional living practice.

How do you feel when you’re talking with someone and they pick up their phone to check a text? I personally feel slighted, and am rather insulted that the person is wasting both of our time because that person is distracted, and only halfway listening.

I am blessed with a handful of very special people in my life. They may not know each other, but they all have one thing in common: they pay attention with the intent of better knowing and understanding.

If you look back at old pictures, it probably is not the ones of beautiful scenery that stir you. Most likely it is the ones with people sharing time together. Everyone in the picture is likely fully engaged, and not distracted by something else.

Genuine engagement is what memories are made of, and which is why “One of the greatest gifts you can give to anyone is the gift of attention."

Keep that in mind the next time you are with someone. What kind of impression do you want to leave them with ... A fond memory or a distracted communication?

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This Week's Focus:

This week and next, take some time to really focus on how you are as a communicator. Do you genuinely engage, or are you distracted? Think about which type of communication you prefer with others, and practice that.

Click on the serenity sticky to print, cut and post on your bathroom mirror to remind you of this week's focus. Good luck!