We get so bogged down every day that often we forget to pay attention to what we love. This applies not only to the activities we love doing but to the people we love most. So often we give those outside our home our undivided (well as best we can when watching kids) attention, but we brush off what those we love most are saying.
You know those times your kids are talking your ear off, and you are just not listening. Or when your spouse is speaking but you’re really not giving it much attention or thought. In thinking about it I believe often we get our priorities backwards. It is our close relationships that give us the most joy in life but if we don’t nurture them just because we expect they’ll always be there, they will suffer and so will you.
Next time your child is speaking to you look them in the eye and listen to what they are saying, just as you would do for a co-worker, friend, or stranger even. After all, your investment in the relationship with your children, partner, and close loved ones are the most important relationships you have. They deserve love and attention, and when you put that in the ever flowing cycle of love pours in.
Next time you brush those you love off because you’re busy with a mired of things, remember what truly matters most to you. If you can’t give your loved one the full attention they deserve in the moment, take a minute to let them know that what they are saying is important to you and you want to give them the attention they deserve, and would like to sit down together to talk about it when you can pay better attention. Then make a point of following through.
I think you’ll find a lot of the time those you love are pretty understanding when you take a minute to explain to them that they are important, and deserve undivided attention, and when you can best give them that. Generally speaking your loved ones aren’t expecting perfection simply that you treat them with the love they deserve and that you make them a priority in your life, not an afterthought you expect to always be there.
I know when it comes to my children this is much easier said than done. They do LOVE to talk, but my relationship with them is worth it, and I want to make sure I not only say it, I show it.
It is a beautiful thing when someone knows the details because they love you and choose to pay attention. I know my loved ones deserve that from me!
Has there been a time that you just weren’t paying attention to someone you love, but looking back you wish you were? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
I think I do this daily with my kids. Not 100% of the time of course but there are times in the day when I don't give them all of my attention. I try to though and hopefully I give them enough attention to know that they are loved and that I care about what they have to say.
Thanks for your very honest comment. I believe most of us parents feel this way daily. I'm hoping to make myself more aware of it so I can improve it. Have a great day!