MAINTAIN A POSITIVE FOCUS

The following is excerpted from the soon to be released downloadable e-book, "Living by Design."

It is not so much about what happens in life, it is what you do with what happens that makes the difference!

Have you ever notice that when you are given a rose, the stem is covered with thorns? Even if you stuck yourself on a thorn, what would you do? Would you say thank you for this stick with thorns on it, or would you focus instead on the gift, the kindness of the person who gave it to you, and the beauty of the flower.

A positive focus is what creates the joy and the beauty of the adventure.

At any given moment in life there is ample evidence to prove that life is a bed of thorns or a garden of roses. Life has thorns. So what. The question is are you going to attend to the thorns or the roses?

A positive focus does not mean ignoring that life has thorns. That would be like ignoring the gas gauge when the light comes on to tell me to refuel. That wouldn't serve me. Nor would fretting about running out of gas. That would be indulging in negative fantasies which certainly aren't going to contribute, but instead will drain my creative energy into worry.

Nope, the key here it to be aware of the information and take action. Where is the nearest gas station? Commit to action and keep going. In the meanwhile I can enjoy the journey as I go, listening to music, taking in the scenery, conversing with my companion.

How we feel about life depends on where we place our attention, what we focus upon. When we focus on the thorns we can get easily discouraged. Life is miserable and painful. When we focus on the rose our attitude shifts. Life is beautiful, rich and full.

Which focus motivates you to take action? Which serves you in continuing to take action and show up in life?

Focusing on the positive is not only an essential key in achieving our goals, but it is part of how we create a life full of satisfaction and joy.

Hold the image of successful completion in front of you. Allow your positive vision to pull you forward. Remember life does what life does. What you do with what life does is what makes the difference.

QUOTES

"For myself I am an optimist - it does not seem to be much use being anything else." 
  ~ Sir Winston Churchill ~

"Rather than focusing on lack or the "what might be better," why not start being grateful for "what you've got."

Here's a little exercise you can do on your own. Make a list of the people, things and qualities in your life for which you are grateful. It might surprise you all of the abundance you have in your life." 
  ~ John-Roger ~

"A prudent man will think more important what fate has conceded to him, than what it has denied." 
  ~ Baltasar Gracian ~

PRACTICALLY SPEAKING

When you notice yourself complaining about getting stuck by a thorn, ask yourself what else is present right now. Where is the rose? What gift were you also given in that very same moment?

Where we place our focus matters. You will be surprised at the gifts that reveal themselves when you look.

WONDER QUESTION:

Is life a bed of thorns or a garden of roses for you?

How can you grow more flowers in your life?

QUICK LINKS:

COPYRIGHT/CONTACT INFO/REPRINT PERMISSION

Copyright 2007 by Leslie Karen Sann, Living by Design
Visit this link for contact information:
leslie@living-bydesign.com

Reprint permission granted in part or whole when the following credit appears in full:

Copyright 2007 by Leslie Karen Sann,
Living by Design.All rights reserved. 
Web site. http://www.living-bydesign.com