ArticleBlog | Mental Health – Do you know who you’re talking to?
Mental Health – Do you know who you’re talking to?
Author: Andy PeckPost Date: 26.09.18
Recently I was scheduled to attend a charity board meeting. On my way, I went to drop my ten-year-old daughter off for her first advanced swimming club session. Normally she would be out of the car door and I would say ‘See you later’ and drive off. Yet on this occasion, I sensed she needed me to stay. I asked her if this was the case and she said she would like me to be there. There was no second thought, I stayed.
However, what about my meeting? I felt the obvious niggle of not fulfilling a prior commitment, especially as I have only missed about five board meetings over the past 24 years. As I texted in my last minute apologies, one of the directors replied with these wonderful words, ‘She may not remember you being there when she is 30 but she’d never forget if you weren’t.’ Those words were just what I needed. More importantly, me being there was what my daughter needed. I was reminded again of the importance of being present in the moment, of being aware of the needs of those around you. I realised afresh just how often I rush into the task ahead of me, the message I want to preach, what I want to say. Am I really aware of the people in front of me? What are they experiencing or needing from me?
