Just Be There

The past few days I've had the pleasure of spending the majority of my time in a NYC hospital. "No," I did not have the swine flu, although the first couple of days I had to wear a mask. I wasn't the patient--I did spend enough time there and did enough work that I might have been mistaken for part of the staff. My dad was sick and I learned first hand the power of “just being there." Believe it or not, I'm actually trained in the art of “just being there,” but when it comes to close family who are sick, rational or trained thinking can easily be forgotten.

"Just being there" means being with someone in whatever state they are in without trying to change, influence or direct them. It means listening at a deep level and asking questions that show you understand where they are. In my case the Wed-Mon 11a-8p or 9p (I was able to get a late pass on some days) meant listening to what my dad had to say, being there when he took a nap and serving in whatever capacity I was needed. I served as a translator, a messenger, a shoulder to lean on for support (literally), a knowledge broker, a coaxer ("please eat, you need your strength"). My most important role was being there without saying a word; being a familiar face when he awoke from nap.

We don’t deal with folks being sick everyday, but another way to look at, “just being there,” is “hanging out.” There isn't any specific agenda, just to hang and let the non-verbal communication fill the air. Another way that "just be there" may manifest itself is by supporting projects, causes or events of those who you want to "just be there" for.

So the next time you’re thinking it’s no big deal if you don’t show up for a friend or family member you may want to think again. The value of your presence may mean more than you know. “Just be there!”

Your Ambassador,
Mike Bruny, CPCC
Certified Life Coach, Speaker, Author
Run the Point Enterprises

www.runthepoint.com

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Author of: "Move the Crowd: 30 Days of Hip Hop Affirmations To Change Your Life." www.runthepoint.com/products