I often
comment that I have a bad memory because there are so many things I can’t
remember such as names, people, and events from my past. I remember my
Grandfather could remember everything, birthdays of distant cousins, the names
of everyone he ever met along with details, and he remembered more of my
childhood than I did. I know we have the same genes so I wondered; why is my
memory so bad while his was so good? Maybe it is because he paid more attention
to the details. Maybe he was totally present wherever he was.
Years ago I
had a job where they made everyone take a class on multi-tasking. I am sure
someone made a fortune teaching this and it is still a big deal in companies
today. People are expected to juggle multiple tasks all the time and be
successful doing all of them. What’s wrong with just working on one thing at a
time until it’s finished? And it’s not like we don’t have enough distractions.
You see people checking their cell phone for messages or emails while buying
groceries or even when they are talking with someone. A lot of our thoughts are
reflecting on the past or contemplating the future. It is amazing how often I
am thinking of the past or the future while the present moment is slipping
away. Maybe this has a part in why my memory is so bad, I was not truly
present.
I think the
best gift you can give to someone is to be truly present for them. Maybe it’s
the best gift you can give yourself. Is it possible that a lot of problems
could be solved, relationships strengthened maybe even saved by being truly
present? Sometimes I think life is so simple, we just find ways to complicate
it like with multi-tasking.
I think
about our family reunions and how special they were. I did not think at the
time that they would end or people would pass away. But things are changing
every second, nothing stays the same. I am going to try to be more present
because every moment is special and you never know when those special moments
will end. Being present for those you care about and to experience and remember
those special moments to the fullest is THE BEST PRESENT you can give others
and yourself!
