Connecting

We are all running around, right?! I think productivity vs. sitting around doing nothing is an interesting question when you are actually free. Some people want to do things and find them fun based on their aptitude, energy levels, and proclivity. Even hobbies may sound like some kind of productivity, as they require time, skill, and organization. So, let us reflect for a second on the tiers of emotional availability through connection for loved ones at home while doing things. I think even within the level of relaxing free-time activities, there are tiers of emotional availability. Here comes the interesting part.

Take playing guitar, piano, doing crafts, or cooking passionately. Your partner may be sitting around, but you might be engrossed in these activities and not be easily accessible to chat- this sounds like Tier 3. I am guilty of doing this! If you are reading the newspaper or a novel, or watching TV, you can be rightfully disturbed to connect, and it is like Tier 2. If you are walking side- by- side or playing with them, chatting and catching up, that is even better, at Tier 1.

All this may sound like minutiae; all tiers are so-ok, of course. Your partner or kids may feel they need more of you for the right reasons, though they may not always express their needs openly! We are all trying here, right?! Something to reflect on if you are not looking at them lovingly at the level of Ground Zero (I am saying it with a smile and a wink)!