Today’s inspiration comes from a Morning Fuel entry (March 28 Focus with Care) that featured an interview with podcaster Kim Acedo. She shared a thought that resonated with me:
What you focus on expands. —Kim Acedo
In the entry, I noted that our everyday outlook and attitudes expand according to what we focus on. When we focus on eating healthy, our knowledge of nutrition expands. When we focus on decluttering, our attention to different methods of organizing expands. When I look for the positives, I see more positives. Life looks sunnier and I feel happier, too.
Sometimes, though, I still struggle – as we all do. Negative thoughts of limitations, failed plans and disruptive changes threaten to steal my focus. And when all I see in life are the negatives, I notice they multiply like weeds – prolifically and with very little water!
My wise sister Rachel had just the words I needed to hear recently when the negative thoughts were hard to prune:
When it comes to negative thoughts, hit mute instead of rewind. —Rachel Miller
Isn’t that brilliant?
Not all plans work out. Not all efforts pay off. Not all ideas are successful. Hit mute on those recurring thoughts to make room for positive ones.
The plight of my beautiful tulip tree was the perfect example.
Her buds burst forth early, only to have one nippy spring morning destroy the rest of her blooming plan.
Yet, she persisted, redirecting her energy to nurture the most positive of possibilities.
Intrigued by nature’s swift pivot, I wondered what could help us redirect our energy to positive pursuits. Once again, my sweet Sissy helped me out:
Focus on something good or useful to our lives. —Rachel Miller
I love those criteria. Is it good? Is it useful? Let’s amplify that!
Hit mute on the recurring negative thoughts. Let our good and useful experiences fill our focus.
And on we go. . .
My best – usually,
Becky (Nana B)
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