I seem to have come down with a fever. But don't worry, it's not serious. Perhaps you've heard of it? After all, it has made headlines around the world. It's reigning royal in Canada!
I'm not the only one who has caught this fever, judging by the crowds that line the streets wherever Will and Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, make a public appearance!
My interest in Prince William and Catherine has surprised me. I have never much cared for the pomp and ceremony of the monarchy. I may have read the odd headline or caught the end of a broadcast, but that was the extent of my royal watching.
What is different this time around? I think it has to do with the commitment Will and Kate demonstrate, not only to each other, but also to those with whom they're engaging. The way in which Will gently places his hand on Kate's back as they enter a new environment. The hug they give each other after participating in dragon boat racing, as you saw in the above clip. The for-their-ears-only whispers in the core of a Canadian crowd.
Then there is the attention they generously share with the public, many of whom have been waiting for hours, if not days, in the hopes of shaking a hand, saying a few words or offering a gift. Compassionate, caring, genuine and curious are words that are repeatedly told to the media by those fortunate enough to have interacted with Kate or Will.
I think what people are feeling is that Kate and Will are truly living in the moment, fully embracing each situation with open hearts. Despite the huge number of distractions, they are each totally focused on the person with whom they're speaking. That's a skill that seems to come naturally to them.
How about you? Are you living each moment fully? When you are speaking with someone, are you thinking about work, your grocery list or whose turn it is to pick up the kids? Stress can impact your ability to be in-the-moment. It distracts you from putting your full attention on whatever it is you are doing. Feelings get hurt, conversations clipped, communication cut short and accidents too readily accessible.
Undress your stress and act like royalty. The people you engage with will certainly feel regal when you give them your undivided (and unstressed) attention.
By reading Your Toe Tappin', Time Keepin' Heart you'll know that I'm a fan of the band Blue Rodeo. When the Jim Cuddy band came to Vancouver, I eagerly bought tickets. It seems that he was also impacted by Will and Kate. During his stellar performance at the Vogue on January 7th, he talked about the Royal Wedding and how it inspired him to write Everyone Watched the Wedding. You can listen to it here.
On another note
Kate and Will may have captured my heart, but they also starred in one of my dreams! In it, I was surprised to get a phone call saying that Kate and Will were coming over for a visit. All the more reason to make the house guest-ready! When they arrived, they both sat on the couch and in unison, sighed. One of them - I'm fuzzy on who - told me that they both felt very comfortable in my presence and enjoyed the fact that they could relax and be themselves. That's high praise, even if it was in a dream! Time to go - I have a house to clean!
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are like a breath of fresh air so far removed from the stuffiness and standoffishness of previous generations.
I think it is the open interest that the young couple show in all that they do and the sense of caring they show for each other. I hope they are allowed live out a long and fulfilled life together.
I have no choice but to live each moment fully! Those live moments are so few and far between!
A wonderful post, Marianna!
I think, too, that they give us hope… hope for love and fairy tales coming true 🙂
Grannymar,
I agree with your last sentiment!
Ramana,
And when you string them together, you have a life well-lived!
Casper,
Oooo, I love that!