One Thing

The idea of being mindful, present and aware of life as it unfolds is not a new concept, but for many of us, it is one which does not come easily.

There is incredible power in being present when we chose to intentionally focus on one thing at a time.

Choosing to Focus

Most of us are terrible at this. I can be the consummate multi-tasker; walking as I listen to my favorite podcasts, talking on the phone while driving and reading the news while eating breakfast. 

I play a “read the Bible in a year” program while getting ready for work, where I overlap all day long until I pour myself into bed with headphones on, listening to a book until I am simply undone.

Seriously Ridiculous

It is great to be productive and have the ability to juggle, shuffle and hustle, but I wonder, at what cost? 

• What do we miss by trying to keep the plates spinning on any given day?
• Are we able to savor the million tiny moments which pass through our fingers or do we miss the best parts?

Over the past several years I have begun choosing a more deliberate and slower pace of life. Much to my delight, I am uncovering possibility, brilliance and joy in the normal, mundane and plain. I am discovering all over again it is in the little and small where there is often our greatest joy.

When my children were small and life was made up of stories, walks to the park and morning snuggles it seemed easier to live slower. We trade peace with far too many days where we are busy being busy. We circle the same wagon week after week and if we are honest there is a bubbling resentment just below the surface.

Stop It

What if we stopped our frenzied activity and made deliberate decisions to embrace each day with arms wide open and drank in everything life brought our way?

Then Jesus suggested, “Let’s get away from the crowds for a while and rest.” For so many people were coming and going that they scarcely had time to eat. Mark 6:31

I have a long ways to go but have started to shift back to center as little by little I am working to turn away from the crazy. It’s not easy. and at times it is akin to turning the Titanic, but along the way, I have found a few small steps to get off the hamster wheel! 

10 Ways To Do One Thing at a Time

• 1. Single Task– Do one thing at a time, whenever, wherever you can.
  2. Create Margin– Leave space for the unexpected. Allow yourself to be surprised by life every now and again!
  3. Spend 10 minutes each day doing nothing – Sit, breathe, and watch the world around you.
  4. Savor your food – Eat slowly and only eat. Stop everything else for just one meal. 
  5. Focus energy where you have the biggest impact – Let go of what is out of your control
  6. Chose a mundane task; Fold laundry or dishes and let your mind enjoy the rhythm.
  7. Notice More – Birds sing, children laugh and people smile; beautiful happens.
  8. Do Life Slowly– Design your ideal day on paper and work to bring it to life.
  9. Forgive Yourself – And others. Let go and let God. He is more than able to do what we cannot.
  10. Listen. Being heard is priceless. Give that affirmation to others.

We live in a society which sees busy as a badge of honor. It has become cachet to say  “I am too busy” as an excuse for everything. If something is important enough, don’t let yourself off the hook. Making time to do things important to you is a tremendous gift you can give yourself and those you care about. 

Simply put, we have a choice, either live on purpose or by accident.

• What needs to change in your world to slow the pace of life?
• How can you carve out time for what matters most to you? 

Because we learn from each other, please share your thoughts in the comments below. 

I appreciate you, my sweet reader. It is a privilege to pop into your inbox and spend a little time together each week. You have many choices on how to spend your day and I am thrilled to be a part of yours.

 Help me spread the message of living intentionally by sharing this post with those in your circle of life. Words are powerful. Together we change the world.

Blessings-