25 Nov Longing for calm focus
Longing for calm focus
This morning I experienced “calm focus” which is interesting because it only took me 44 years to get here.
I did not always start my day like this.
I used to sleep until the last possible minute and wake up to an alarm clock. I would waste time scrolling social media for an hour and then I would realize the time and rush to get myself together, get my daughter together, and I would be scrambling.
I would scramble to get my to-do list together, pack lunches, back packs, soccer gear and gym bags. I would look for my keys (which were always misplaced) and then I would quickly grab something to eat in the car. I would also grab my daughters meal to take in the car with us as well.
I rush to get where I was going (blaming traffic of course) and continue to rush through my day checking things off my never ending to-do list. Everyone else’s priority became my assumed priority and emails and text messages requiring responses would take over my schedule.
I felt like there was no time to think
I felt like there was no time to think, no time to do the “extra things” I wanted to and no time to enjoy anything I was working for. There was never any time for “Self Improvement” and the thought of laying around and doing something like “reading a magazine” seemed like a luxury for the lazy.
Wait a minute… is this how I want to live my life?
Just like with weight loss, it took a mindset change. I had to decide to make time to ENJOY what I was working for and to think and plan. Slowing down made me MORE productive.
I didn’t figure this out alone… It took meeting some people that lived this way and longing for their “calm, relaxed focus.” It took being open to therapy and it took getting some negative people out of my life.
I am not 100% there, but I’m a lot closer than I was. I now schedule my day for calm focus and to maximize being productive. This does mean my to do list is bigger than ever and I don’t check off a million things a day, but where I do spend my time now matters, has my full focus and is more significant.
This morning I started my day with a great meal outside and just enjoyed the quiet and the view. I had time carved out, space to breathe and think and I took the time to plan out the the most significant things I must do today. That list did not include answering texts or emails and it did not include anyone else’s agenda for me. Those things will still get done (maybe) but after my priority list.
My priority list includes: Reviewing my book manuscript, working on 2 other projects that need my attention, listening to some podcast, making time for a workout, actually sitting down to enjoy my meals and spending time with my family. That’s where my time and focus will be most significant today. Calm focus that is.
Be Happy… Be Healthy… Be FIT!
-Natalie Jill
