Passionate Theme of the Day: Focus

Kirsten at ipopin.com’s affirmation of the day was an inspirational tap on the shoulder from the universe. It said “Get your booty in gear and get your head out of the clouds.”

Today is one of those days. Lack of focus. Thoughts all over the place. A co-worker mentioned the words “vacation” and “Aruba”. So I skipped on over to the Aruba tourism site and fantasized a minute (or 10) about hanging on the beach. Chillin’ with a frosty cool libation. Imagined soaking up the sun and maxin’ and relaxin’ to an ultra-cool soundtrack.

This “lack of focus” has been lingering since last Wednesday. Why do I remember the day? Here’s what happened. 1st I received an e-mail from a friend that I perceived as not so good. Got swept up in thoughts of frustration and emotions of general pissed-off-ness. Slipping into a downward spiral of near doom and gloom. (OK, not doom & gloom, but not good stuff either).

Later that day, another friend randomly sent me a link with the listing of a gorgeous historical home for sale in the area. Now mind you, I am NOT on the market for a home. That hasn’t even been on my radar screen. But one look at the pictures and I was like, “YES! I’ve GOT to see this house!” Called my agent and got her to set up an appointment for Friday.

The house was just as adorable inside as it was in the pics. The yard was too cute; the paint colors were Kammie-move-in-ready. My thoughts began to look like this: It would be perfect! It could be grand! My stuff already matches! It has hardwood floors! It has a fenced in yard - perfect for the dogs! It has a big patio! And on and on it went.

I even went to see it a second time on Sunday. All the while wondering why this house just “appeared” out of no where and seemingly “fell” into my lap. After dinner at my sister’s, I walked my mom to her car. I’d asked to borrow a pair of her shoes, and she opened up the trunk to get them. As she did, I noticed an overflowing bag of clothes from a local discount store with tags still on them.

(My mom’s going through some financial “restructuring” and shopping for “fun” or not “necessary” items isn’t part of her new financial “diet”.) I got kind of ticed and said, “What is that! How can you even think about buying clothes with the state of affairs you’re in?” Or something otherwise righteous and judgmental like that.

She told me she was taking the whole bag back and that she knew better, but sometimes shop therapy feels better than dealing with her reality. As I was driving home I had an epiphany. I was doing the EXACT same thing, only I was looking at buying a house!! OMG!! Once I stopped fantasizing about curtains and throw rugs, I was able to step back and see the situation for what it was.

Let’s recap. I’d received an e-mail that sent me into a bit of a funk. I have several MAJOR commitments with deadlines of Dec. 31st (which aren’t close to completion). I have at least 2-3 major projects that I am beginning just after the 1st of the year. So who’s trying to avoid and numb their reality now? ME!!!! Holy crap!! I immediately called my mom and told her the story. She laughed her head off!! (She knows me pretty well).

I am hereby acknowledging my lack of focus and re-committing to what’s really important. The “house-capade” was just a way to distract myself from dealing with my current reality. My life is a wonderful and amazing journey. This was just a temporary de-railment.

I have a BIG vision for 2007 and years to come. With that comes responsibility. Projects need to get completed. Emotions need to be observed and dealt with, not escaped from. Each little step I take the next 69 days till the end of 2006 is a little step towards continuing to live my dreams AS my reality. Goal - NOT get sucked up into fantasy land! Because honestly, my reality is pretty freakin’ cool.

10 things I commit to DOing before Dec. 31, 2006:
~Chapter for Success & Happiness anthology
~Revise web copy & update site w/Reese
~Update web pictures (I’ve lost 20 lbs!)
~2-4 posts per month at Coachamatic & 1 per week at SBB
~3 posts and 2 quotes per week at PMP
~Book proposal for MY book
~Outline for Jason & my blogging/internet marketing workshop
~Finalize details with Pam for our 2007 group coaching project
~Speak my truth in all matters

10 things I commit to BEing while I complete above projects:
~Present!!!
~Focused
~Joyful
~Playful
~Creative
~Inspired
~Rested
~Honest
~Excited
~Grateful

I’ve got lots do BE and DO these next 69 days. What about you? Have you found yourself getting a distracted lately? What distracts you? What do you do when you become aware of getting distracted? How do you pull yourself back into focus?

Let’s hold ourselves REALLY accountable for what it is we say we want from our lives. Please leave a comment and commit to 3 things that YOU want to accomplish by Dec. 31, 2006. What can you focus your commitment on so that you can ring in 2007 with peace of mind, joy, and a sense of fulfillment?

I am focused and committed,
Kam