My sixth-grade teacher made a lasting impression on me in many ways. One of the most shocking things she taught me was that just because someone calls on the phone doesn’t mean you have to pick it up. I remember marveling at that concept.

The sound of the phone ringing always caused a rush of reaching, running, and grabbing the receiver, no matter what was going on at the time. I can be covered in challah dough, bathing a baby, or driving a carpool, but when the phone rings, I feel a magnetic pull to answer it.

Then I think back to my days in sixth grade. Mrs. Shapiro taught me that it was my choice whether to answer the phone. I was in charge of when I was available to speak and when I wasn’t. It’s not always a good time for me, even if someone wants to reach me.

Putting my needs and my family’s needs before the incoming caller gives me a sense of calm and a push to focus on the present.