I will, I will, I promise I will

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Tuesday, 19 January 2016

Language Line

My priorities seem to ebb and flow.  Something that seemed really important two weeks ago is now at the bottom of my to-do list.  There’s something far more important at the top now.  Why?  Because of “I will”, which I utter far too often!

I hear a request, someone moans and what happens?  I cry, “I’ll do it!”.  Everyone relaxes . . . except me.  Why did I offer to do it?  I grab a piece of paper and scribble a reminder to myself.  I can proof-read the new flier on my way to work, I’ll stop off at the store and pay that outstanding bill, and I’ll pop into at my favourite gift shop to get a wedding present for Jack.  I promise myself that I will stop saying “I will” some day.

But there are some “I will’s” that I really like:

When people drop into Hong Kong on their way to or from abroad.  The hurried phone call saying “We’re free this evening.”  “I will book a restaurant” I promise enthusiastically.  We have a lovely dinner.  The tasks ear-marked for that evening move down my to-do list.

Another “I will” that I enjoy, “We’re having a party, can you be there?”  “I will, I will.  Where?  Venice?  I will, I’ll be there.”  I reply with delight.  More tasks fall down that list.

But the best “I will’s” are for my family.  “Can I see you for lunch?”, “Would you help me choose a new outfit?”, “I’d like to ask you about my portfolio.”  These are the requests that bump all priorities down my list – and I love it that they do.

© Julia Courtenay-Tanner