Friday, April 17, 2009

In The Moment

I really had no intention of leaving that last (heavy) post up on top of the site for quite so long, such is the sorry and neglected state of my blog. No real excuse, just life and feeling increasingly busy and diverted. At least once a day I remind myself of the need to hit "publish," just haven't been able to get there. I've actually started getting friendly "I love your blog, but wish you would update more often" e-mails from readers - yes, they're still out there, somewhere. Clearly, something has to be done.

No real agenda here tonight, other than a brief update. We've been watching American Idol at home again this season, usually breaks down into the adults at night and catching the girls up the next morning via the DVR. Saw Miley Cyrus sing "The Climb" during the results show Wednesday and couldn't help thinking she looked uncomfortable and a little wide-eyed. Trying too hard, especially at the beginning, maybe spooked by performing on a "here's how you did" talent show in front of a panel of judges who routinely rip people up for being pitchy or uninspired or some other unforgivable sonic error. For whatever reason, even after all the success, a "biggest thing going" tour and new hit movie, Ms. Cyrus looked fairly rattled standing there in front of Simon and crew.

Next morning Madison settled into the replay while we made coffee, lunches, fed the cats and went about our typical morning routine. Breakfast was served and she wandered into the kitchen.

"Did you watch Miley Cyrus?" I asked.

"Yeah, she looked nervous," she responded. "It was good, but she looked nervous."

I said I had the exact same reaction, which brought a smile.

Later in the day I finally got around to dialing up that Susan Boyle video that everyone is talking about and e-mailing around, and was amazed. A more recent version of Paul Potts, and a performance just as improbable and moving. Here's a woman who had every reason to be terrified beyond the ability to speak, let alone sing, and she rose to the occasion, blew people away and changed everything.

What better example could there be that it really is all about the moment, and what you bring to it, regardless of what came before or might come next. Big or small, fill it up. Don't hold anything back, make excuses or allow yourself to think that it doesn't really matter this time around, there will be other times. Don't grab that crutch. Make it count, be present and bring it, everything you've got, every time.

5 Comments:

Blogger Katherine said...

I find Susan Boyle to be just as inspiring as you describe she.

Good to see you writing again.

2:43 AM  
Blogger Lynn said...

This is why you are such a great dad. Bring it. Great advice no matter your age...

8:23 AM  
Blogger Mrs.O said...

Very inspiring, you write it so well.

2:53 PM  
Blogger Sarah :) said...

You write so well, I'm hoping to be able to read more of it, and more frequently, in the future. :)

1:49 PM  
Blogger moi said...

Glad you're doing the family, busy dad thing focusing on your family first, blog second.

I love your advice, and I'd forgotten Paul Potts name, so thank you!

11:30 PM  

Post a Comment

<< Home