Best Present of All! by Brian Biro
ARTICLE Family
As they so often do when I need it the most, my two daughters, Kelsey and Jenna, opened my eyes to what really matters. They helped me awaken to the truly precious present. At the time I had become so swept up in my business that night after night as my daughters prepared for bed, I'd stop off in my office for "just a moment" to check my voice mail before reading them a story and tucking them in. The next thing I knew, I was submerged in thirty new messages and my only connection with my little girls was a silent kiss long after they were sound asleep. My wife had read to them, cuddled them, and told them how much their mommy and daddy loved them. One evening after many weeks of this pattern, Kelsey and Jenna waited patiently in my office doorway until I hung up the phone, then ran over to tell me how much they loved me. I picked them up onto my lap and hugged them in the joy of the unexpected moment.
After a couple of tickles and giggles, Kelsey looked up into my eyes and said, "Daddy, we miss you." Chuckling, I responded, "Honey, I'm right here. I haven't been on a trip in weeks."
About Brian. Brian Biro is known as The Breakthrough Coach! He is one of the world’s foremost speakers and teachers of Leadership, Possibility Thinking, Thriving on Change, and Team-Building. He is described as having the energy of a ten-year-old, the enthusiasm of a twenty-year-old, and the wisdom of a seventy-five-year-old. Brian was rated #1 from over 40 Speakers at 4 consecutive INC. Magazine International Conferences. www.brianbiro.com
"I know, Daddy. I meant we miss you because it seems like you have more time for voice mail than you do for us." Her words, so innocently spoken, shot straight through me. I had become so accustomed to being busy that I had stopped being present for my children. Being fully present means that 100% of your mind, body, and spirit are actually with the person you're with, where they are! All at once my children helped me see that in our moments of fully present connection we do more to help those around us than any other gift we can offer. How often does your response to family, friends, or associates begin with "just a minute," or "in a second"? When your family or teammates seek your attention, do you often view them as interruptions rather than delighting at the opportunity to share some precious moments? If you find yourself falling into any of these patterns, your focus is drifting into the past or future. It's time to be present. How? Listen completely before formulating your responses, turn up your tremendous powers of observation, and seek to understand before seeking to be understood. Watch your impact on others deepen and your enjoyment of life soar. Being present is a choice. It's one that will explode your business, deepen your relationships, and change your life!
www.thefaceofchelmsford.com
37