When I was much younger I married another much younger guy who I'd been dating throughout high school. Unsurprisingly, we stayed married for about as long as Jessica Simpson and Nic Lachey. What is surprising though, is regardless of all the things that were wrong with our marriage, and all the things that led me to file for divorce when I was barely old enough to legally drink--one of the most fundamental parts of my life, my belief system, came from him.
He and I used to go for long drives and talk about everything and nothing at all. One of the things he'd always say is, "Your focus determines your reality".
A decade later, and I still stand by those words.
Your focus really does determine your reality.
If you focus only on the negative things in life, you'll never see the positive results. If you only focus on what you can't do, you'll never discover what you can do. If you only focus on the unhappiness you feel, you'll never notice the things that bring you happiness.
My husband deploys for months at a time, and if I allowed myself to focus on that I'd sit around sad and depressed all the time. Instead, I focus my mind on other things. I lock my thoughts on the future, on the classes I'm taking, the jewelry I'm designing for my 'day job', on ideas for new short stories and novels (not to mention the actual writing and editing of these), and I pay special attention to the joy I get from the Munchkin.
I'm not claiming to never have bouts of depression and melancholy. That would be a lie. I'm just saying I don't let myself stay there.
When I find myself feeling particularly down, frustrated, or angry, I take a few deep breaths and focus on something else. Something positive.
Even if that something positive is that I managed to do another day of yoga, or my back hasn't gone out. Sometimes you just have to grab onto whatever little thing you can. Each day it gets easier to focus on the good and not the bad.
It also helps to have someone to bitch to about all the little annoyances in your life. However, and this is a big HOWEVER, once you've bitched, let it go. Move on and focus on those positive notes.
I want my reality to be bright and positive. Filled with love, and books, and amazing jewelry and crafts I've designed and created.
What will your reality hold?
R.S.
Good advice. Especially from someone that still seems very young to my old self.
ReplyDeleteIt is far too easy to get in a habit of focusing on negative things. Positive mindset can become a habit. I find daily joy comes from small pleasures and appreciating what one often takes for granted. Thanks for the reminder that your focus becomes your reality.
ReplyDeleteThank you. :) I've learned a lot about life in a short amount of time...and remember, we're only as old as we let ourselves feel.
ReplyDeleteSometimes the small pleasures are the best things. :) Thank you for stopping by.
ReplyDeleteYou go girl , I liked the things you said about what you took away from your life with your ex.. Nice work dear.
ReplyDeleteSomething good had to come from those years. Thanks for stopping by.
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