Don’t you love it when you’re trying to talk to someone and they are on their iphone, ipad, or some digital device? Especially when it happens during the time you set aside to spend with them. Before you say YES and get ticked off thinking about it, we better all look in the mirror. You and I both know we’re guilty.
It’s been a while since I’ve written a blog and it’s because I had to give my complete attention to what’s been in front of me the past few weeks. I guess that’s why I’m writing about this today because I’ve been taking notes, living and taking it all in. Plus, I don’t like writing a blog until I feel passionate about what I’d like to share. We’ve had a run of events with Rolling Smoke Nation including our week long trip to Dallas, TX for the World Food Championships. I performed all week with Uncle Hound and the band and it lived up to the hype. I’ve been posting pics, etc on FB and Instagram. We also have something cool in the works I’ll share later, but back to this thought.
One of the things I’ve taken away from this year is the need for us to be “Present”. Whether we mean to or not, nothing says, “you don’t matter to me,” like taking a call or not being able to put down your phone for a conversation. I know, I know, there are exceptions….but I’m not talking about those rare times.
Some of us can remember not having a phone attached to us 24/7. I think we may be the only generation that can actually “feel” the stress it’s caused. It’s kinda like the “frog in the pot of water that is slowly getting hotter” analogy. The frog doesn’t realize it until it’s too late.
For my generation, we were thrown into the water…..we know exactly how hot it is and we’ve been frustrated ever since.
Don’t misunderstand. I’m not anti-change or any of that. I think I wrote a blog about change :) All I’m saying is we need to take back control of our time and be present with the people right in front of us. Baring some real emergency or circumstance, we can wait a few a minutes to make that call, or email, or whatever may be a distraction and focus on that living, breathing, soul filled person in front of us that needs our attention, and needs us to be present.
When Uncle Hound and I started Rolling Smoke, and Rolling Smoke Nation, we talked about this….both of us came from a culture where food and music brought us together. I think now it’s more important than ever. We use the phrase, “The Good Life, One Bite at a Time” because it’s in our song, “Peace, Love, and BBQ”…..my question is simple. “Are you Present?” Because we can’t live the “Good Life” if we’re not.
I’ve got a challenge for us….take a lunch break with someone you need to spend time with and leave your phone in your car. I know, the chances of an emergency happening are so great….( says no one) Look, do you think about that when you’re on a two hour plane flight? No you don’t…..if something happens in that hour you’re at lunch you’re not going to be able to change the outcome by getting notified. The emergency is right there in front of you, and it’s that person you need to give your full attention. He or she values your time for a reason.
Let’s “BE PRESENT”
Love you, Love you Big!!