The Power of Being Seen
The Weekly Bloom
Originally, I shared this inspiring experience as a short note, but after sitting with it all day, I felt it needed more space. It is a story about being seen, and rather than remaining a small note, I wanted to give it its own home. As I reflected on it, I realized this message speaks not only to children, but to all of us.
The story…
This past weekend, I met up with an old friend of mine and his six-and-a-half-year-old son. John and I had been in a relationship over ten years ago, for a short while, and yet when that ended, we chose to stay in touch as friends ever since. I was visiting the mainland for my birthday and needed some work done on my Jeep, so he offered to help me out and got me a great deal on new tires.
We met at the nearest Tim Hortons to the shop. I bought us all drinks and Timbits. I hadn’t seen his son, J, since he was three years old, and boy had he grown into a little man!
Without getting into too much detail on our visit together, there were a few moments where John left me alone with his son while he dealt with phone calls and the tire guy.
Naturally, I sparked up conversation with the little guy so I could get to know him, and so the moments with just the two of us wouldn’t feel awkward for him. He told me all about his interests and hobbies, and even how he felt about his mom and dad not being together anymore. He sure could talk as much as his father could!
We all enjoyed catching up, and once my Jeep was ready to go, I said thank you, goodbye, and drove off. As I was driving back to my mum’s house, I kept thinking about how polite, well-behaved, and “cool” J was, and what a great job John was doing raising a little human being. A man.
John texted me later that day, saying how well I did with J. Then he shared a conversation they had on the drive home:
J: “Hey Dad, that girl Jessica?”
John: “Yes?”
J: “Well, I was thinking…she’s kinda nice, hey?”
John: “Hahaha, yes bub, very nice. Why do you think that?”
J: “Because she asked about me and talks to me like I’m normal, not like a baby kid. Like she looks me in the eyes Dad, and talks to me! People are always telling me what to do or where to go, and they are not even looking at me!!”
John turned around with a big smile and said…
John: “Well, that’s wonderful to hear. I’m glad you had a nice visit.”
J: “Yeah, dude, you should tell her she can come over later and finish those Timbits with me. I’ll put them away now and save them for her!”
This pulled on my heartstrings and made me tear up! I seriously started crying. The fact that this kiddo could be so aware — so in tune and emotionally present — amazed me. And the thing is, I was looking into his eyes, into his soul.
Many adults treat young children like babies when they are already far more aware than we give them credit for. When we meet children with respect and presence, we help nurture wise and emotionally mature humans. This was a little man before me, not a baby, and so I treated him as such. He felt that. He recognized that.
Moments like this remind me of how deeply all of us need presence and emotional connection — not just children. We all want to feel seen and heard. We want to be met with true awareness and be treated with respect.
Eye contact matters. A calm tone matters. Being spoken to, rather than spoken at, matters; whether you’re six years old or sixty years old. When someone is met with a grounded, peaceful presence, their nervous system softens. Their body feels safer. They grow more connected. We grow more connected.
We live in a world that moves so fast, where people are rushed, distracted, stressed, and all too often on their phones or devices and not paying attention to what or who is in front of them. That lack of presence and attention creates a disconnection from each other and ourselves.
That day, I wasn’t doing anything special. I was simply being present. And yet, somehow, being present became special to him.
Sometimes, being seen is a small gesture that creates a big impact.
🤍 What happens when you slow down, make eye contact, and truly pay attention to someone?
🤍 When could you put your electronic devices down and spend more time with the people you love?
🤍 Who in your life would appreciate a little more of your presence?
This was a message I felt called to share.
Have a wonderful week, friends! ♥️✨
Such a great story, and more importantly, the message about being present and putting down our electronics and actually communicating with our heart is so needed in the world right now.