Undivided Attention

Today is Friday With Friends!  Each Friday for the next few months, I’m going to introduce you to some of my favorite writers.  Each has their own style, and all are worth your read.

Meet Teri Johnson.  This sister is the real deal.  Her willingness to be open and honest and transparent is so refreshing. Want to be challenged to step out of bondage and into freedom?  Read about her new book, Overcoming The Nevers.  Loving it!  Her words will bless you…

This topic has come up a lot lately in my conversations with friends and interactions with others.

I’ve been hit over the head with it in a very real way and am sad to say that over the past several years – YES, you heard it…S E V E R A L …years I’ve struggled with giving others around me undivided attention.

I am not one to blame things on others or things or situations – I can only look in the mirror and ask the question, “What role am I playing in this situation, or what did I do to set this ball in motion?”

I realized that I got-a-smart-phone!

First is was a Blackberry {aka Crackberry}, then it was an iPhone. I can pinpoint the time when my “undivided attention” started to become divided. This wonderful piece of technology was FUN, it kept me connected, in the loop — I didn’t need to be tied to my computer to check an email, it came oh so conveniently into the palm of my hand. I literally fell in LOVE with IT!

THEN I learned how to text – oh boy!

As I discovered all the wonderful features of my new BFF I discovered PINing and Instant Messaging too – I was hooked, addicted. BUT, extremely disrespectful to everyone who was “present” in my world.

I’ve been confronted by people who have shared with me the reality of who I was becoming. It was difficult to hear at the time because my intent was never to cause anyone any pain or disrespect.

Why was I doing what I was doing?

Was the noise that my phone was making to alert me that there was a NEW message THAT important that I needed to constantly be checking it? Seriously, who did I think I was? What was so pressing that I had to divert my time and attention from whomever I was with to check in with my piece of technology? SERIOUSLY?!?!?

Turn it off, Leave it behind — actually throw it in the ocean or something!

Since this realization, I’ve been working on this and I feel that I’ve made GREAT improvements. I have set boundaries now with my BFF and it feels good {although sometimes I break ‘em, UGH!}

It saddens me that I had sent the message to others, through this senseless behavior, that they are not important and I’m striving to repair that with my actions.

I am truly grateful for those who have been honest with me to point this out. However, it’s a catch 22. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you on one hand for bringing this to my attention. Then, I’m sorry, sorry, sorry on the other hand for hurting your feelings.

I was prompted to write this after having coffee with a dear friend of mine. We were talking about how computers, cell phones, texting, smart phones — and any other device you want to name — were stealing precious time from those that we love.

For me, it was my smart phone. After our talk, I got to thinking about some other things that are creeping into my world…

What is it for you?

What in your world “divides” your attention from the people and things that are really important?

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Teri is the President and Founder of Keeping it Personal.  She is a published author, speaker, and sought-after personal growth expert.  Great conversations while sipping coffee and soaking up as many sunsets as she can, make her tick — along with running and taking pictures.  She’s passionate about helping others; an encourager and a cheerleader to many.  Teri lives a joy-filled life deeply devoted to her husband, her two boys, and her relationship with God.

You can find her on Facebook at Keeping it Personal and Teri Johnson and also on Twitter!

Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jorgeq82/4732700819/