FOCUS
I've been thinking about a word to choose for 2008. I've seen several interesting, insightful and inspiring words on my journeying around blogs lately. Many options have been bouncing around in my mind and I was wondering if I'd even commit myself to choosing a word. Today one fell into place. Focus.
(The multitasking desk)
Oh how easily distracted I am. Multitasking is certainly a useful skill, but if taken too far it can be counter-productive. Sometimes I catch myself with 5 or 6 Internet windows open at one time, trying to accomplish or read something on each site. Or I'll be in the middle of something - like cooking - when I remember something else and rush off to take care of it before I forget. The results are not always good.
In light of the thoughts in my earlier posts about time, I'm committing myself to focus. To truly live in the present moment. When I'm reading to Jemma at bedtime, I'll not be forming yet another mental list of what I need to do tonight or tomorrow. When I'm talking to Jordan, I'll enjoy our conversation without always looking for an opportunity to remind him of his responsibilities. When I'm exercising, I'll be aware of my surroundings and appreciating that moment for what it is rather than thinking of what I'll rush off to next, (or what I'd rather be doing). When I'm going to sleep at night I'll relish the feel of the sheets and the quiet of the house and the blessing of comfort.
I have a feeling that focusing on the task at hand, whatever it may be (many times not even literally a "task"), will be a pathway to greater peace and balance and achieving the things I really want to. Every day. What do you think?
6 comments:
I think you will love your word! I bet you will find yourself living in the "now."
Once i multitasked as my pot-filler was on, filling a pot with water. I left the stove to go do something & came back 5 MINUTES LATER to a flooded range. Typical.
Great Word!!! this is leanne not michelle :)
I once had a professor who suggested that the best thing we can do in life is live in the moment, or the "now" as Crystal suggested. Indeed the past is unalterable and the only thing that will determine the future is the way you treat the present.
Also, concerning your resolve to notice your surroundings as you exercise, this is one thing that I wish I did more often. Maybe once a week or so I'll look up when I'm outside and notice the sky--wow! How majestic, profound, and perspective-building...
That always sounds a lot easier than it really is. I do it a lot though to quiet my mind and it really works and those are the exact results you get from it when you can remember that. Like you said, the present is all we have. I have always thought that one of my good characteristics was being able to plan ahead and have three or four backups in case the first one doesn't work but when i do that I realeze that i'm taking over someone elses job trying to CONTROL my life and everybody elses! Thanks for the reminder you're awesome.
ooh I like it! Very true about stopping to take stalk of life.
Great word and great post! I need to be better about all of these things too. I have a hard time being in the moment, especially when I'm with my kids. I am always pointing out the things they need to do or asking them something unrelated to what we're doing, that's just rude.
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