Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY— Last night our city had a power outage. As a family, we had barely sat down to dinner when suddenly the house became cave-like black.
At first, we sat frozen to our chairs (soon to be literally, we supposed). The fact that we live in the mountains, and the knowledge that right outside our door are lions, tigers and bears (well, cougars, deer and very large squirrels), added to the eerie feeling.
Thanks to six children, however, the atmosphere quickly changed to an adventurous mood. With surprising ease, said children located flashlights (which they’d sworn a week ago were lost) and we gathered around the gas fireplace in the family room.
While the fire warmed us, we played Name 5 and Speed (with two daughters holding flashlights), the dog snored, and my teenage son strummed measures of various pop songs that everyone knew the lyrics to but me (“That’s because all you listen to, Mom, are conference talks”).
That was a Keeper Moment.
Even though the power returned not 30 minutes later, and life went on as usual (though we did leave most of the lights off), we experienced a family emotional snapshot to remember.
When was your last Keeper Moment? Was it nurturing your children or sitting with a friend? Trying a new skill or dealing with an emergency? These kinds of experiences can be keepers because unexpectedly, our routine changes, and so does our reaction.
With the power outage, I noticed the absence of electronics and how easily everyone adjusted without them. Note to self — more non-electronic nights won’t put kids in a state of shock. The magic occurred with no distractions, focusing on each other, and just being.
Keeper Moments also engage all of our senses, which creates a whole experience, not the typical daily fragmented kind. We feel, think and process in a way that multitasking doesn’t allow. We let down and let go of relentless to-do lists or should-be expectations. Instead, we simply soak in the moment.
Last week, my baby became ill. For an entire day, he only wanted to snuggle and be assured I was literally within his grasp. Instead of bemoaning pressing errands or mounting laundry, I gave into his needs fully and completely. For hours we cuddled, in and out of naps, both of us wrapped in the warm blankets as the snow drifted outside.
What a Keeper Moment that was, and still is in my heart and mind.
Just for today, open your emotional eyes to potential Keeper Moments. An unexpected connection, a friend’s immediate need, or even a power outage might just make it happen.
Connie Sokol is an author, presenter, TV contributor and author who just released "Create a Powerful Life Plan: 3 Simple Steps to Your Ideal Life!" For more, visit www.conniesokol.com.
