Taking the time to not Multitask
Photo Courtesy of “Auntie Jackie.”
I like to think I’m the queen of multi-tasking around our house…okay, I don’t really have much competition because my husband just…can’t multitask. Just like every other woman on the planet, multi-tasking is the way to knock off so many items from the to-do list. I’ve also come to realize though, that I have to let myself-not multitask, or I’ll miss out on some of the best moments. I don’t want to just be there physically, I want to be fully engaged.
Last year, the 8YO (then 7) decided he wanted to try out for the all-star t-ball/baseball team in addition to playing house league. It was a big leap for him, because he’d only played one season before and there were very limited spots available. But we absolutely encouraged him, because he LOVED, lived and breathed everything baseball. During the winter he’d be outside in the snow (hello, Canadian winter??) practicing his swing and hitting countless balls over the neighbours fence. So when it was tryout time, my BFF (known as the beloved Auntie Jackie around our house) and I sat on the sidelines and watched. He didn’t make the cut. He didn’t even get a call-back for the next set of tryouts. He was crushed. We were crushed for him. I was worried it was going to discourage him from trying harder. Instead the kid, with total alpha-determination said he was going to practice and keep going and try again next year. We were so proud of him.
Turns out he didn’t have to wait till next year. We got a call from the coach-there was a spot for him if he wanted to play one year down. He was thrilled. He did. And it was the best summer ever. He shone. He went from barely making a team, to always being in the starting line-up. He played third base and excelled. He hit home runs. He learned the value of being part of a team, good sportsmanship and he made new friends. I brought work with me to the games and practices…and didn’t take it out of my bag. I couldn’t. I didn’t want to miss a thing.
This year, even though the season doesn’t start until April, he’s determined to make the 8YO team. We told him that if he’s serious, we’d take him to a baseball training clinic for kids so he’d be able to get ready for the season. He loves this place. Twice a week for an hour, he goes and gives it his all. Again, I have a notebook with me, but it just sits in my purse. I love watching the determination on his face. Or the pride when he makes an awesome play or when the coach says something encouraging. He’s come a long way. He’s learned the value of perseverance and hard work. I’ve learned how to sit and enjoy the moment, without thinking of all the other things I need to do. They’ll get done. These are the moments that will last forever…cheesy, yeah maybe, but true. When he talks about the session after, I want to be able to analyze it with him, not look away guiltily because I wasn’t watching.
Obviously we can’t be there for every single moment and work is a priority. And there are some days that the work just needs to get done, no matter how crappy it feels to miss out on stuff. But it is okay to make the time and to see the importance in the little things.
We’re gearing up for the season, even though it’s only January. Tryouts are in April. I’ll let you know how it goes ;-).
How about all of you? Multi-tasking too much? Or do you know when to shut it off?
Tags:baseball,multi-tasking
