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The Power of Noticing,
Have you ever wondered what it truly means to notice others, in a world that often rushes by, leaving little room for genuine connections? In today’s fast-paced world, where distractions are abundant, and people often focus on their own lives, it’s becoming increasingly rare to find individuals who possess the remarkable ability to notice the world around them.
I came across a story today, written by Rachel Macy Stafford, author of ‘Hands Free Life’. The story revolves around Rachel receiving her daughter’s school progress report, which mostly consists of positive check marks. However, there is one check mark for being “Distracted in large groups.” Her daughter acknowledges this but does not feel ashamed. Rachel then emphasizes that her daughter’s ability to notice things and people around her is a special gift that she should continue to cultivate. The story beautifully illustrates the significance of the rare and beautiful gift of empathy, emphasizing the power of noticing others’ needs, pain, and joys to positively impact the world.
This short story had quite an impact on me, so I simply want to make a few comments exploring why the power of noticing is so valuable in today’s society. If the story interests you, I add Rachel’s blog address at the end.