The quality of our lives depends on how we focus our energy and our attention.
—Traits of Stress-Hardy, Resilient People
We all seem to agree that it doesn’t make sense to worry about things we have no control over. What do you focus your attention on instead?
If I’m not actively doing something, I focus on topics that give me pleasure, mentally planning activities or projects that I enjoy, or on things I would like to have or do or would like to understand better.
Today I put my mind to the nitty-gritty & got LOTS done & it’s still only 3:30 PM. I feel really good! The ole Protestant work ethic. To heck with all the world problems.
Movies are something of a last resort for me – maybe it is being in the dark but they seem to be able to overwhelm me so that I feel different afterwards.
Before this, going for walks, reading novels, warm baths
Mike,
Getting involved in something that grabs my attention works for me too. might as well do something that’s constructive and, if possible, fun. Life is too short to waste it worrying and feeling helpless.
bikehikebabe,
The partially works for me. For me housework alone doesn’t do it, there has to be some problem-solving component. The main thing is we find what works for us and do it. I’m more interested in getting immersed in something rather than getting something done. No doubt that’s why my apartment is such a mess right now. 😀
Evan,
I can see why movies work as a last resort, they’re like a good novel, they have a deep, hypnotic effect in that they change our subconscious. Getting some exercise be it walking or bouncing on my jogging trampoline also has a physiological effect. I sometimes will do Sudoku while walking on my manual treadmill.
There’s lots of problems for your fancy, when working around the house. This includes, sewing, cooking, yard work. I have two wonderful dresses which are too big that I got from Freecycle, waiting to be re-constructed (to be worn at Scottish dance where pants are frowned upon). Getting rid of gophers in the yard???, using all these exotic fruits & veg. that we get from our co-op etc. I need tangible results. Computer work is too limiting in itself alone.
Jean: The ONLY problems I do worry about are those I CANNOT do something about. Applying logic: One doesn’t have to worry about that which we are able to swing any which way.
Focus? Well, it’s not my strong point as I tend to be pulled into too many directions. The whole of the world is of so much interest to me that I just hop around. Getting immersed? Yes. But the way I define “focus” I’d say I cover more width than depth. No wonder I am not getting anywhere fast.
One of these days I shall design a medal to give to you, Jean, for making me confront the not always palatable.
U
bikehikebabe,
Yes! I do love problems like that. 🙂
Ursula,
When it’s a situation I have some influence over I do get concerned that I will do the right thing. When I went to the emergency room years ago because an infection was on the verge of sepsis (the red streaks going down my neck were getting bigger and I was shivering even though it was a hot July night) my main concern was whether I made the right call to go to the ER at 2 AM. When I asked the doctor she said red streaks were always a bad sign, and when they were in the neck it was even more dangerous: “You could die.” Oh, I did the right thing, now it was out of my hands so I could relax and just get curious to see how the whole thing would play out. Needless to say, it turned out fine and I never let another infection get that far. 🙂
I’m going to say my usual thing – depends 🙂
I was semi-stressing over no results to show whether I was ahead or behind on the current (and last paper for degree) – then I thought about how a couple of years ago I had to move the goal posts when I knew I wouldn’t be finished right when I had planned. So rejigged my thoughts on the matter and said to myself “if need be I will do xyz paper next Semester”
probably won’t have to now, now that my 1st essay is back with a respectable score 🙂
Over the last few months, I have sorting up things of mine and somethings are going direct to the Sallies (goodwill) whilst other things could be sold through our ‘online auction/NZ style’ (similar to your eBay but with less set up costs).
So I have this ornament that I’ve had probably 15yrs one of those gifts you wish you hadn’t been given. It’s probably of value because it’s a ‘numbered, handpainted and branded’ – I thought I would go mad and set the start/reserve at $25. I got that bid earlier in the week – so I thought, even if it goes no higher I’m doing all right…it closed today – top bid $55.00!!! And the buyer has paid via the credit card system the auction company has – so it will now need to packed, so it doesn’t break and sent to her…
Reading, crossword puzzles and the internet!
Cathy,
It sounds as if your life is full enough that you don’t have time to worry!
Rummuser,
Those are all great hobbies because they don’t require leaving home or conforming to an external schedule. I do Sudoku instead of crossword puzzles, but reading and the internet can absorb as much time as I can allow them.