Recently a dear friend, Joe Miller, died tragically rock climbing. He was my next door neighbor and Lara, his wife, is one of my closet friends in my community. He left 3 young kids and his beautiful wife. We will miss him dearly, in our community, for he was a giver of time to anyone who asked. Joe knew the most precious gift of all was, his attention.
At his memorial what struck me deeply were the stories about Joe dropping everything, when a friend called in need. It was amazing to hear how many people called Joe their best friend. The most touching was his 6 year old buddy, C, who stood up and told everyone that Joe was his best friend.
During the memorial they gave out t-shirts that said, Be More Joe. For me, this means committing to drop everything, when my daughter needs me, giving her my attention instead of my “just a minute” line I often use. I’m choosing to see my attention as my greatest gift. Thanks to Joe for showing me the way.
Practice: When you are doing something you think is important and your child needs a moment of your attention instead of telling them to wait, stop what you are doing and make a connection. It only takes a minute….. Be More Joe
As a parent, one of the most challenging aspects I experience is living in the moment. Since I have a child who is totally focused on the moment, I am continually faced with my habit of not living in the moment. Often, It seems I’m WAY ahead of the “moment” and half way through my day, in my mind, before I wake up. Whew! 
Have a wonderful day celebrating freedom and independence! Celebrate being a parent! Love, love, love!
I have prided myself, as a single mom, in being self-reliant. I can do it all has been my motto! Hand me a challenge and watch me power down and make it through. Phew! Even writing about it makes me tired. Where did I get the idea that it was an asset to hold it all up? I’m sure it was from childhood but why I’ve carried it all these years is a mystery.
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