Focus Creates Reality; Healthcare Reform; Happy Bday!
First, Happy Birthday Ray! Big #40!! Hmmmmmmmmmm, how old will you be when Linc is in his teenage years! YIKES!
OK, I have to share this great article from Care, What Are You Focusing On? It is a great reminder to us all. I will let the article speak for itself below. I bolded that main statement. I need to pay more attention to that!
We really have no idea how powerful we are. We tend to see ourselves as tiny individuals in an enormous world, doing our best to sway the tides that come between us and our fulfillment. But there is a truth that can change this perception, destroy the feeling of victimhood and bring true freedom:
What you focus on grows.
Our focus creates our reality. If we are focused on what is wrong in our lives and our worlds, what are we going to see? What’s wrong. But if we are focused on the things we love, the things that inspire us and fill us with joy, we start to see the beauty we were so blind to before. You can transform your experience of life in an instant, just by choosing to focus inwards. Just by bringing your attention deep into yourself, instead of getting caught up in the dramas and worries of the world around, you can break lifelong patterns of discontent and preoccupation.
So if it’s so simple, why don’t we do it? I know why: because we don’t want to. We don’t want to be happy: we’d prefer to fight for what we think should be fixed. We don’t want to surrender: we want to win. We don’t want to embrace our reality: we want to chase our ideas of how things should be, instead of accepting them as they are. Why? because we are convinced we know best how our lives should be. The truth is, our idea of the perfect world has been forged by the opinions of so many, by the fears and insecurities caused by so many life experiences, that it is not really our idea at all.
Children don’t do this. (from Jody. This reminds me of my Susan Boyle song post) They embrace what they have without question. When I lived on the Colombian coast, the local boys would play football barefoot with coconuts. They weren’t moping around thinking, If only I had some Nike runners! then I could play much better. If only we had a real ball instead of this coconut! They don’t think like that: they are having so much fun as it is, enjoying what they have.
I am not denying the importance of working towards a better world. I admire any activity that helps unite humanity and improve the quality of life on this planet. But if we are focused on what’s wrong, even with the intention of making it right, we are perpetuating discontent and inconformity. Let’s focus on what we have achieved, on the wonderful, incredible world we live in and the passionate and inspired individuals who are giving their best to humanity every day. Let’s focus on what we can give: on the ways we can lead more joyful, fulfilling lives. Let’s focus on being fully present, on knowing ourselves, accepting ourselves, embracing ourselves. Then naturally we will share that love with those around us.
What are you focused on right now? On the frustrations of the past, or the worries of the future? Why don’t you try, just for today, to focus on enjoying each moment? On giving the best you can in each situation that is presented to you?
Give it a try. Discover the power of focus, and in doing so, take responsibility for your own happiness.
I can't leave today without some healthcare reform. This past Wednesday, there was a free clinic in Hartford Connecticut. This state's Senate & House passed Universal Healthcare Reform for all BUT THE REPUBLICAN GOVERNOR VETOED IT! Along with that, Joe Lieberman from this state fights healthcare reform in Washington even though he spoke out for it just a few years ago. Makes you wonder since his wife is tied to the lobbyists for the insurance industry in that state AND Lieberman is tied to their money as well. Watch this very telling video from this free clinic. It says so much!!!
Categories: Health Issues,Wellness,Motivation/Support,Healthcare Reform,Inspiration,Family
Tags: Health Issues Wellness inspiration Motivation/Support eating heathcare reform Believing
You hit the nail on the head for me today!
OMG did you ever! This one line
we’d prefer to fight for what we think should be fixed. We don’t want to surrender
That is it for me! I focus on the fight and being the survivor rather than surrendering and just living my life!
THANK YOU
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Jules, you always have such a great attitude along with amazing comments! Thank you!
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I saw that health clinic on Olbermann's show the other night. He was telling of one woman who used to be an executive for many years - got laid off and had been unemployed now for two years. This is a professional woman. Of course she lost her health insurance so when she noticed a lump and her hair started falling out, etc she had no where to go. She went to the free clinic and it was just in time because she could have died had she waited any longer. Stories like this are real, they are not rare, they are becoming the norm and it's scary that so many of our elected representatives could care less that Americans are suffering this way. Makes me so angry that there isn't more outrage against this.
The power of focusing - great post as usual Jody! I'm trying to focus on what I can do TODAY that will most benefit me long term. Trying. Trying not to look back, but sometimes it's hard.
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Josie, yes, I did see that story on that lady. So scary! And now, how does she pay for it or even get insurance coverage with a pre-existing condition. This is just ridiculous!
And like you, Josie, this focus stuff is hard for me too. We try & that is better than not.
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I wonder why the whole healthcare thing is so messed up?
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Andrew, it is money & politics... very sad! They don't care about real people anymore.
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I love your posts, they always make me think or give me information that I didn't know about before.
That being said, you have a great message today. It's important to focus on the future and let the past live in the past.
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AFG, thank you! It is a great message. I still have probs with it though. Past things still get in my way but I don't think as bad as they used to.. or at least I hope.
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I am learning to be happy in the present moment. The older I get the happier I become. Life is good!
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Joanna, so good to hear that. I am trying.. better than not, right!
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"Let’s focus on being fully present, on knowing ourselves, accepting ourselves, embracing ourselves. Then naturally we will share that love with those around us." wow, that is powerful and something, at age 41, i'm finally working on. it's really hard to accomplish this, as i've had an eating disorder for 30+ years, but i'm trying. one day at a time. thanks for the inspiring post.
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love2eatinpa, thx for stopping by & commenting. I read your guest post the other day & you have battled a lot. I agree, it is hard to accomplish this but at least we are trying! Yes, one day at a time is good for you. Hang in there!
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'What you focus on grows.'
That is so true. That is why so many, who focus on the negative and wrong, have nothing but more negativity and wrongness come to their lives. And those who can think and focus on the positive, regardless of what is happening in their lives, always have good things happen to them, positive things.
I am trying everyday to focus on the good and positive in my life, on what I have now and can be thankful for.
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Karyn, it is true. I try very hard to do this but I must admit, it is hard for me. I let the past get in the way & I have to get over that.. still working on it!
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