Time waits for no one.
Last week was a blur of busyness, due dates, deadlines, getting things done, so many moving parts to remember, more plates to turn, more items to balance; disorientation and automation at times desire to take over.
My Grandma Cookie and I had set a girl’s night on our calendar that was planned for this past Thursday, August 15th, and my time, my schedule, my energy didn’t want to give me permission.
I chose her over myself, and I am so glad I did.
We had a wonderful time together, and I had no idea how much I needed her words, her encouragement, her presence, and her love.
We ate at her favorite restaurant, Red Lobster, and we went to see Aladdin.
Some might say that this sounds like a normal hangout, and yes the environment was normal, but the company wasn’t, and this, I am so grateful for.
My Grandma Cookie got me to check in with myself. She asked me questions with the desire to genuinely know who I am and what I am going through.
The question of “how are you” was asked with the authenticity of being all ears, open and attentive.
The question “how are you” gets asked so much in passing that we don’t really treat that question as a serious time to check in rather to cue the automatic response to say “I am good” even if we really are not doing good.
She really asked this question, and I was able to check in with myself, and I was surprised what I found.
Our time together got me to slow down to check in with myself, and to slow down physically.
She would interweave her arm with mine, and I ensured support as we walked through the mall plaza. I was able to notice so many details that I would normally not discover since I am a speed-walker at heart.
I loved that when she looked, she really looked.
I loved that when she ate, she really tasted.
I loved that when she was with me, she was all present and all there.
Let’s redeem cordiality with authentic human connection this week.
Let’s mean our “hello”, our “how are you” questions to those around us.
Let’s really listen, really taste, really see, and really experience this beautiful life that we get to live because time waits for no one.
Thank you, Grandma Cookie, for teaching me how to truly “be”.