Being open to the moments that matter

No matter what you plan, you need to always be ready for moments. To me, I like to identify moments that matter verse moments that happen.

Moments that matter will leave an imprint. They are ones that I need to focus on. I might need to rethink my plans. I might need to adjust my focus. There is something about that moment that feels different.

My youngest, my baby, is going to Kindergarten in a few weeks. I have so much to do for my business as every minute feels like a minute I can be hunting my next gig. But, I also left that world of stability for the flexibility to be with my kids. I think we are finding a balance and evolving as the seasons change as to how much mommy works and how present mommy is to play.

Today though, I needed to take half the day away from my normal “mommy work” time to bring my third child to a playground meetup. Lots I could be doing with my time for my business (and recent grieving - more to come on that). This is my third child in this building so it isn’t new to me. And the reality is, it is not new to him either as he has grown up in the wake of his sisters at this school because his mommy has always had PTA leadership roles.

But something about this morning felt like a moment that matters. That I needed to be there with him. For my only mommy moment, for his growth moment, for my healing moment and for us more largely. He didn’t socialize as much as I thought he would, rather choosing to standby me. And unfortunately, I had to take a call during the event. But when we left he thanked me, he told me how happy he was and how nervous he is to start.

He never was nervous before. He never said those things. If he did, this moment wouldn’t have been optional for me.

I am glad he told me.

I am glad I prioritized it.

I am glad I was present, but wish I was more present.

He reminded me that humans are dynamic. That our needs are not always vocalized. That we cannot control the reaction of others in all moments. So while I was reflecting on canvas and painting your way yesterday, I think we need to be ready to pause and dial-in for moments that matter… professionally and personally.