Staying In The Moment

The most important thing you’re doing is what you’re doing right now. That has been one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned being Grampnanny for my grandson. I really got a glimpse of that this week.

How’s the weather?

While you have been having cold and snowy weather, we’ve had rain. And more rain. And more rain. I think we’re looking at five days straight right now. They tell me this is spring in Virginia Beach. You get a few cold days, maybe two inches of snow, and then rain until it gets hot.

None of this seems to bother Liam.

Staying in the moment

He doesn’t wake up in the morning and check his weather app to see there’s more rain coming. He wakes up, sometimes happy to see you, and he gets going. There’s no thought about what we can’t do today, there’s a focus on what we DO do. Coloring? Cool! Watching a movie? Which one? Building a pillow fort? Oh Grampy you’re so silly! The only time he seems to get upset is when I put him down for a nap. He doesn’t want to miss anything. But he’s usually out in ten minutes.

Being the typical adult I’m thinking about all kinds of things during the day:

• When will it stop raining?

• We can’t go for a walk.

• What am I going to make for lunch?

• Did I take something out for dinner?

• Where’s my phone?

• Where did I put my coffee?

• Liam? Where’s Liam? He was right here! Get out of the dog’s water!

When you think about it..

How many times do we get distracted in a day? Did you ever get to work and not remember the drive? I guess it’s automatic for a lot of us but scary when you realize your brain was somewhere else while you were zipping down 195. I know I’ve drifted off at meetings or while I was at one of the school concerts.

However, the times I’ve tried to focus and stay in the moment with Liam have been very rewarding.

Laser focus

I think most of your elite athletes have learned how to focus. I’m talking laser focus. Back in the day when we had sellout crowds they were able to stay focused on the next play or the next pitch. I’m always amazed when I see a picture of Venus or Serena Williams with their eye on the ball waiting to hit it. You can feel the intensity.

I’m not saying we need that much focus in our everyday life though I’m sure you would accomplish a lot if you did. But maybe just try to stay in the moment when you’re with your children, grandchildren or anyone for that matter. They deserve your full attention. It’s so easy to be distracted these days especially with our phones. FOMO is a real thing. That’s the Fear Of Missing Out. We don’t want to miss out on anything so we’re always checking updates, but if you think about it you’re missing out by not giving your friend or loved one your undivided attention.

Are you a multitasker?

I used to think I was a good multitasker when I was working at the radio station, but now that I think about it, I’m not so sure. When you multitask you’re dividing your attention between different things and not giving anything your full attention. That doesn’t seem like a good idea after all especially if you are dealing with another person.

I’m not going to lie, it’s not easy. Your mind will want to wander. You’ll probably want to check your phone. But if you work at it you can make yourself focus on what’s in front of you or what you and a loved one are doing or thinking. And trust me: it feels really good and helps you escape some of the stress in your life. At least for a little while. It will still be there later, when you can give it your full attention.

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