…with someone who cares.

Today, most of us are busier than ever–so much so, that we don’t want to take the time to listen to those around us. The problem with this is that all of us need opportunities to share our stories–our joys, problems and sorrows–with someone who cares.  Being able to share our stories is what helps to keep us on an even keel emotionally.  When we are denied the opportunity to share our stories, we tend to feel depressed because it feels like no one cares.  I remember a few years ago, my daughter stopped by to pick something up.  She was in a chatty mood and I could tell she wanted to talk.  I was in the middle of an intense project and wanted to get back to it. At this point I thought, “Ross, that project will always be there, but your daughter won’t.” I then got up from my computer and sat down at the kitchen table with my daughter and listened as she shared her stories.  This turned out to be one of those wonderfully precious moments that we all live for and I would have missed out on it had I not taken the time to listen. When my daughter left, she was wearing a big smile and so was I. When I returned to my project, I felt refreshed and made more progress during the rest of the day than I would have made had I not spent that time my daughter.