Adjusting the focus: living in the moment

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The last couple of weeks have been exceptionally enduring and demanding around here. We have had physical injuries (my son broke his ankle…again), behavior issues coming from my 7 year old, and loads of negativity coming from external sources– people that we wish we didn’t have to deal with, but don’t have a choice.  All that on top of the typical daily pressures and commitments.

I sometimes (ok, always) struggle with finding a balanced response to negative external influence. That’s what happened this time around. I let the circumstances take the best of me, and leave me frustrated, mad and defeated.  They were taking up too much of my energy and mental health.  That is not the place I wanted to be!

I felt the need to set my priorities straight and took time to refocus: I realized that though changing the circumstances is not in my power, changing my attitude is. Once I made that decision, I immediately felt like things fell into place!

I am thankful for a few reminders I got that helped me adjust my focus:

*my husband and my mom— both wise and level-headed people, reminded me to focus on, and appreciate, all the positive that there is in my life at the moment.

*a parenting book I just finished reading: there were no revelations in it, but a reminder to operate out of love and not emotions during especially frustrating times.

*this print: I mentioned Ann and her blog in my Spring Wreath post. Ann designs some art, that can be downloaded and framed. I loved the design and the message of this print, though being a planner and a worrier, it didn’t come easy to fully accept it. But that’s what balanced life is to me. Putting more emphasis on the “right here, right now” helped me see the insignificance of some things that frustrated me.

* a conversation with a neighbor, that brought up life-threatening health issues: it hit the nail on the head, and reminded me to treasure the time and experiences we got with each other.

I decided to focus more on the people that I love, and put them above all the negativity that I had no control over: an ice cream date with my son, more one-on-one time with my seven year old, dismissing the people that personify negativity as non-deserving my attention, hanging the “Live in the Moment” print by the front door.  Simple steps! But I can’t believe the huge change in the way I, and by extension my entire family, feel.

“Superman” flavor ice cream has magic powers: makes mom happy! (and gives you a blue and red mouth)

I believe it is possible to take control of stressful and destructive circumstances. I am not saying it is easy, but it is doable, by adjusting focus and priorities.

What has helped/helps you find your balance when you feel like you are losing it? I would love to hear from you.

 

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