Bid For Attention
Written by Wanda Rodriguez
Written on April 26,2025
Published on April 30, 2025
Do you want to play Barbies with me? Want to go for a walk? Are you hungry? Seen any good movies lately? What are you doing later? What are you streaming these days? Wanna watch something together? Want to play a game? How about we go check out the mall?
Why so many questions, Wanda?
I can’t do this right now. I would love to spend time with you but …. (There’s always a “but…”) I need to get these bills done real quick. That sounds like so much fun, but I need to get the house clean before company arrives. I wish I could, but I’m so tired. I just need a minute. I need some down time. I’m taking a mental health break. Why don’t you go get your sister to do it with you, and I’ll be there in a minute …. (will I though?)
Does any of this sound familiar to you? People (family, friends, …) bidding for our attention. It could be words, or it could be reaching out to hold a hand while walking together, rubbing the back of a neck in the car, or even a warm, expressive smile. These subtle gestures toward others can be easily missed or taken for granted. You think, later … later … later … Well, I’m here to remind you that sometimes later doesn’t come. Sometimes later needs to be redefined to mean now, right now!
I’ve said it before, time is fleeting and circumstances can change on a dime. Lean in to those bids for your attention when they arise. Children grow up and move away. Friends often scatter as life takes them in various directions, loved ones pass on, etc. It’s like Little River Band said in the song, Lady, “Look around you, look up here, Take time to make time, make time to be there …”
Turn toward those efforts to capture your attention. One day they will stop asking, or one day they may be gone. Seize the day. Make lasting memories. I mean really, have you ever looked back fondly of how clean your house was or how organized your desk was? Love and bond with those you are with while you can, because someday it might be those memories that sustain you.
Thank you for taking this walk with me. -Wanda
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It’s so easy to get caught up in daily life and step away from the things that make the experience of life whole. I can spend so much time focusing on urgent things while the most important things slip through the cracks. I’m guilty of that. I try to keep in mind the interdependence we all share and how often it is so very difficult to reach out for (fill in the blank). I have heard all my life of the importance of independence and can easily take it too far beyond the intended lesson. My ego will encourage and will allow me to believe I can do this on my own. What a joke. Reaching out is so hard for me. I welcome the opportunities when they come my way and try to make time when I can. Yet, I don’t give others the chance to answer for themselves when I don’t pick up the phone and call for fear it won’t be answered. My friends can’t help me if I don’t let them. Your post reminds me of a poem by Rose Milligan titled Dust If You Must. Thank you for your post. When the phone stops ringing, it’s me.