Adjusting Your Focus

I love to capture life's moments on film. It does not require an auspicious occasion: family time, my children's cherubic faces, beautiful weather or information I can't write down or desire to take the time to remember (thanks JMR!). With the convenience of technology whether camera, video recorder, or mobile device, you don't have to miss an opportunity to memorialize your life.

Have you ever experienced a situation where you are determined to take a particular picture but from your vantage point you can't quite get the shot in focus? You zoom in as close as you possibly can, but still have to get up, move in closer, and adjust for you to satisfactorily get the shot? I think this may be applicable to our lives. Although we yearn for achievement sometimes we have to revisit, evaluate and adjust our vision to see it come to fruition.

This is not a comfortable journey. Sometimes when you get up and move in closer while adjusting you may-- albeit temporarily-- "obstruct someone else's vision." Yes, it may be uncomfortable to those within your immediate periphery "to see" when you are focused. But the reality is that the difficulty should be temporary, the people that really support you will either give you that space or be patient with you while you are adjusting to capture the moment.

Another thing about operating "life's camera" is that your view is through a single lens. Experience has taught me that you may find like minded individuals that understand the importance of a "great picture" and want to partner with you on your journey. But ultimately you push the button to capture the moment. It may be unrealistic to have the expectation of sharing your period of adjustment because decisions regarding your direction and achievement are ultimately up to YOU. This doesn't mean that people won't/don't give you support. I think the reality of the situation is that tasks are extremely subjective, and even with them supporting you with all that they have, the impetus is yours alone.

I haven't posted in ages and events and seasons have occurred. I have a list of things I want to be accomplished and this entry is a part of "adjusting my focus". Evaluate and discern if your focus needs adjustment. Please share your reflections and revelations.

Just Do It!

Those three little words have been archived in the Smithsonian Institution as one of the top five ad slogans of the 20th century. The power in the simplicity of the expression!

It speaks to me because one of my biggest personal demons has been procrastination, which should be painfully ironic for a person who abhors the feelings of regret. Maybe my extreme desire for perfection, protocol--waiting for ideal circumstances (I'm a Virgo) has kept me from achieving goals and my heart's desire. Whatever roadblocks inhibited me in the past I have decided that I am tired of standing in my own way.

Over the summer we had a huge succession of what some would consider as iconic individuals have passed that many feel was before their time--Steve(McNair), Waymon(Tisdale), Michael (Jackson)--people who in some shape or form defined our life experience...gone. These events inspired a national movement of quiet reflection about life. I know that I spend the summer thinking a lot about the value of my own life and purpose.

A childhood friend stated, "Life is the longest thing you will ever do--enjoy it." He was right, if you know that you are going to do something for years it makes no sense to have a miserable existence--you cannot give up on the pursuit of happiness. Nor is it realistic to think that it will just fall in your lap.

Over the past decade, my life has morphed and transitioned to where I could not define it by anyone one name or experience and which sometimes conflicts me inward because all of those worlds, on occasion, collide. Starting a blog is part of my journey--an opportunity to share my thoughts, experiences, perspectives. But most importantly, to facilitate discussion among people from my corner of the universe.

Today I challenge you to get out of your own way and pursuit something you desire--a healthy lifestyle, new personal interests, career, relationships, plans, or new life perspective! When you find your self hesitating within your transition remember--"Just do it " --simple words with a powerful meaning...Just DO it!