There's nothing like a good end of "your world", disaster movie to put things into perspective. I think when we are presented with (or inundated by) something so extreme, it allows our minds to clear much of the distractions that can rob us from accomplishing the success generated by "focus". I find when we focus in on whatever it is we focus in on... THAT becomes our central theme for the moment. If we continue to focus in on it, it will become our focus for the hour or the day or the week... well you get the idea. If we put the attention on negativity, possibly the economic crisis and all that is taking place right now for a reasonable portion of time and then go back to our focus on living well, loving God, taking care of our families and on doing well at our work, then there is balance and success can remain and grow. But, if the focus gets too muddled and we lose that precise point of positives thought put to action, it can and most often will steal everything away that matters to us. Everything...It is crucial that we focus on the upside of things. In doing so our focus will help guide our actions and outlook which will lead to a better result in whatever it is that we are looking to accomplish. So often when things are tough, whether it be related to the economy, personal relationships or a host of other things, we focus so much on the problems and issues surrounding that problem that we become discouraged and lose our ability to retain hope and expectation of the positive. When we go there in our thoughts, it sets us up for failure. If you find yourself focusing on the negative rather than the positive look at the flip side of whatever it is that is getting you down. If you are concerned about your job, think about the fact that in no area of the United States is the employment at 11% yet. That means that of those of us that are of age and ability to work, 89% of us are! Look on the flip side. Having marital troubles? Look at those beautiful children and remember that there are some wonderful things that came from that marriage. Change of any type can be difficult, for some it can be debilitating but it doesn't have to! Turn on some uplifting music, watch a hope filled movie or hang out with some very upbeat, positive friends when you feel down, not with someone who will feed your discouragement! Look on the upside... it will give you alot and take nothing from you to do so. Right now stop and make a list of all the things you are thankful for. Focus on the positive. If you feel stuck in the negative or downtrodden heaviness try: Listening to upbeat music that you enjoy, music that sends a good message to you. For me "Take the shackles off my feet so I can dance" by Mary Mary can pull me out of a funky mood just about anytime! And/or... PRAY! When I get stuck and feel a heaviness in my outlook I often will read verse prayers (also called word prayers) out loud. By the time I am on the second or third prayer I am thanking God for His care and all He has done and will do that I am in soaring into wonderful strength and wholeness. (Check out "Prayers That Avail Much" by Germaine Copeland, my favorite is the 3 in 1 commemorative edition). And finally, go to where you feel good! For me that is nature... For me that means waterfalls, mountains rivers creeks lakes forests the ocean and so forth. For someone else it could be a beautiful garden (when I lived in S. FL many years ago I used to often go to a Japanese park with a waterfall and willow trees. It was very beautiful and inately peaceful.) or wherever makes you feel peaceful and puts a smile deep within you. Just a drive through a scenic area or sitting on a park bench overlooking a serene area or watching people skate by or on a dock. There are probably about as many places as people.
Finally I must say that for me knowing loving and being loved and directed by One far greater than I is crucial to my well-being. I find immense hope strength and purpose in my relationship with God Himself. I highly recommend your getting to know Him as well. It's a quality decision that you willnever regret. For further on that: http://www.gotlife.org/intro.html
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