Audio Version:
Just the other day, my daughter sent me a video by Simon Sinek. You know how it is, when your kids send you something, you pay attention, right?
It was about using “Do you have 8 minutes?” as a code phrase between friends. Not for casual stuff. But for when you really need someone. When you’re struggling and can’t find the words to say how much.
Here’s how it works: You share this phrase with a few trusted people – your real ones. When someone texts or calls with these exact words, “Do you have 8 minutes?” it means drop what you’re doing if you can. This is the signal that someone you love needs you now. Not next week. Not when it’s convenient. Now.
Eight minutes. That’s all. Long enough to say what needs saying. Short enough to be possible, even on the hardest days.
I’ve been thinking about this since my bicycle accident. About how we catch each other. About how we’re all so terrible at asking for help, especially when we need it most. We say “I’m fine” when we’re drowning. We don’t want to be a burden.
But what if we had permission? What if we had a simple code that says: This matters. I matter. And right now, I need you to remind me I’m not alone.
In my years of holding space, of teaching rest, of sitting in circles with women who are exhausted from carrying everything, I know this truth: Sometimes the bravest thing we can do is admit we need each other.
So this is my invitation to you. Share this code with someone you trust. Maybe just send them this note with “Want to do this with me?”
Because having a way to say “I need you” without having to explain or apologize or minimize – that could change everything.
Do you have 8 minutes?
From my corner of the sea,
Sarah
P.S. – Here’s the video my daughter sent: Simon Sinek on the 8-minute code
