The World According to Emily :: Finding Focus

Easier said than done. My entire life, I have been an overachieving, energetic, Type-A. I dream really big and I love to stay really busy – even when that means “burning the candle at both ends.” One of my New Year’s resolutions was to take better care of MYSELF. I put so much energy into my family, my home, my business – that sometimes I forget about me. I like to think that I can live on 4 hours of sleep, Starbucks and cheerios. (I love Cheerios). Lately my life has been riddled with challenges – both personally and professionally. The kinds of challenges that can steal your attention and rattle your focus if you let them.

Even writing this post, I can think of fourteen things I need to be doing right now. I’m reminded of our first exercise at Lara Casey’s Making Things Happen intensive in Watercolor. “Write down everything in your brain right now. Get it out and on paper…”

. . . I’ll be back . . .

I just wrote down 24 things off the top of my head that I should get done today. Oh my. But I do feel somewhat clearer having everything written down and out of my brain space. As the ELP site preparation reaches MAX craziness and prepares for the big reveal in 4 days, I’ve got to find a way to maintain focus, to rid myself of this exhaustion that is slowly creeping up, and to remind myself that there is so little I can actually control. Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days (Psalm 90:14).

The word satisfy is something I so often do not relate to. I am so rarely truly satisfied. Happy? Absolutely. Grateful? All the time. But satisfied/finished/content? Hardly ever. But this little verse tells us to be satisfied. And for me, I am learning to find contentment in the places I’m not so crazily seeking it – but where it already lives. In my faith. In my big, hilarious, loving family. In my friends who sit and listen to me ramble about my journey, bring me hot pink diamond socks and lasagna when I’m under the weather. And in my sweet, sweet, wholehearted husband whose love is so big, so satisfying and so complete.

Photo courtesy of Meg Baisden Photography.

3 comments:

Cindy said...

Emily, I took a wonderful Ladies Bible Class last fall based on the book "Cultivating Contentment". One of the things mentioned in the class stuck with me and I thought I would share it with you based on your post. We are never meant to be fully satisfied here on earth so we will always be longing and striving towards heaven. This is something I try to remember when I am frustrated by the world and it's troubles. Also, I try to remember it when I feel very happy, because I know there is a time coming that will be SO much happier it won't even compare.

Thanks so much for sharing your heart. Hugs and contentment to you on a beautiful Monday morning. ;)

Lauren @ Every Last Detail said...

Ah I feel the same way so very often. I don't always write the things down, but I definitely think I'll try to more now. It does totally help to clear the head of all the racing thoughts of what is pending. Sometimes I just have to stop, take a step back, and account for everything going on. PS- SO darn excited for the launch!!!!

Amy Romano said...

Hi sweet pea! Fuzzy goodness and frozen pasta is awaiting again whenever you need it! Love ya xoxoxo