We really do learn important lessons from young kids. I’m sure you’ve seen my Instagram posts and stories. I now live with my family and a big pro is that I’m with my niece and nephew every day. They are both CODAs, and very cute. Aubrey is now four, and she is already very wise.

[Video of Melissa and Aubrey laughing with a rainbow background filter.]

This week after dinner, Aubrey and I went out for a walk. Aubrey loves walks and will often ask me to go on a walk with her! She’s a good motivator. Anyway, it was dark and she wanted to hold my hand. With my free hand, out of habit, I took out my phone. Aubrey immediately told me no and told me to give her my phone to put it in her pocket. I caught myself. Wow. Right. I didn’t give her my phone, but I put it in my pocket for the whole time for about a mile. Even though it was dark we still walked the whole way without looking at my phone. I was present and my attention was on her all the way. I’ve been processing this all week and thinking about how kids do pay attention to what you do. Aubrey’s right. Why look at my phone? Enjoy my surroundings and be more present. Thank you, Aubrey.