No, I don't mean that perfunctory call when you exchange "How's it going?" kind of stuff. I mean a real conversation, the kind in which it is clear to her that you're actively engaged in the conversation with her, not checking your email or making a to-do list. You are actively listening.. And learning something new about her.
I'm reminded of many phone calls I had with my own Mom and how I would often get impatient because I thought my busy life was too crammed to give attention to her advice, to her interests. I had so much to do. Now I would love to pick up the phone and hear her voice. I would give her my full attention. What's more, I have so many questions that I'd like to ask about her early life, about her opinions on a number of subjects, about what most interested her. Now I feel I would give those conversations their respectful due. Too late.
I was fascinated to receive today a suggestion from the New York Philharmonic related to Mother's Day. The Philharmonic has figured out that they are in the entertainment business, not just the "classical music" business. So they are thinking of ways to beef up their ticket sales by engaging prospective concertgoers not just through their love for classical music, but other things as well. Hence their special Mother's Day promotion. It involves buying your Mom a ticket to the Philharmonic and when she goes to her seat, she'll find a fresh red rose there, just for her. And you can add dinner to the package as well. What mother wouldn't love to have dinner with her son or daughter and then share an evening at the philharmonic filled with wonderful music?
Such an evening would be a great time for a conversation about what interests your Mom, why she loves music, occasions in her life when music moved her deeply, her favorite songs. And she would surely love to hear which were your favorites among the songs she sang to you.
Maybe Mother's Day may be the time for you to have that conversation you so often intend to initiate but just don't have the time.
Author of I is for Intercourse: The ABC's of Conversation, Susan Bird is the visionary behind Wf360, and a sought-after speaker around the world for her views on leadership, the strategic importance of conversation, entrepreneurship, and the role of women business leaders.
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