If you are like most of us, you put a lot of thought into the things that you would love to change and improve about yourself and your life! If you make that long list of New Year's Resolutions every January--you are in good company. Likewise, if you find yourself annually breaking and remaking many of the same resolutions--you are not alone in that either! 

While the new year brings a fresh start on a clean slate for us--the reality is you can make a change at any time!  Any day in any month is a great time to examine the patterns and habits in our life and make some tweaks and efforts to change some things that just aren't working for us. What can you do to bring some change to your life?  How are all of those little daily choices impacting your overall well-being? Is it time to make some different choices in your life?

Make Real Choices to Make Some Real Changes

“Big changes don’t have to be hard, but they do have to start with a choice. This is where real change begins; this is where you start taking control of your life and how you choose to live it; this is where it all starts.” 

– Nathalie Thompson 

This year (and last year!) were bumpy ones for me!  I found myself falling into patterns of busy work that kept me constantly in motion--but, never really moving out of my comfort zone toward my goals.  I also found myself falling back into old patterns and habits that had actually created some of my problems needing change.  I do (and still) have a lot of changes that I want to make in my life.  I have had many of these goals for change for a few (and some for many) years!  

While I can certainly say that my life would benefit from certain changes, I can also honestly say that many of my daily choices haven't really aligned with the direction of the changes I claim to want to make in my life! 

Whether you have hit rock bottom and know that today has to be the day that you begin the climb toward your future or you have just been wishy washy in your resolve to change--you have to make a choice if you ever hope to see real change.  Are you going to accept your life as it is--or make the tough, challenging choice to do some things differently?

Accept Responsibility for the Changes Needed in Your Life.

“There are two primary choices in life: to accept conditions as they exist, or accept the responsibility for changing them.”

 – Denis Waitley

I understand that some situations and conditions in our lives are created by forces beyond our control.  While we may not be entirely responsible for the life circumstances that created us as individuals--or, in many cases, created some of the patterns, habits and conditions that we wish to change--we always have two choices:  accept life and stay the course or accept the challenge and take on the responsibility of changing our life.  Are you ready to accept the responsibility to take on the tasks of changing the things that you don't like about your life?   

Your Life is (Mostly) a Product of Your Choices

 “In every single thing you do, you are choosing a direction. Your life is a product of choices.” 

– Dr. Kathleen Hall

I face many choices in a given day.  I say that I want to eat healthy, exercise more, spend more time with my family, live a more mindful life, practice more environmentally friendly living, etc.  Are my daily choices supporting those goals?  Or are my choices dooming me to another year of failed resolutions and goals?
 

• This morning, I had to make a conscious, grumbling choice to decide if I was going to pour a bowl of sugar loaded cereal and milk for breakfast--or make a healthy breakfast egg scramble with protein and veggies instead. 
• Then I had to make a choice about walking a slow, power sniffing, old dog for 2 miles in the rain or skipping the exercise this morning.
• Then I had to force myself to  decide if I was willing to make the time to power through a handful of busy work tasks that needed finished today before noon or if I was going to skip them and make excuses and/or lose the potential client. 
• Next it was time to decide if I was going to go grab a cheesy meatball sub from the shop down the street or eat those healthy veggie and grilled chicken leftovers from last night's dinner. 
• Am I going to meet the husband and daughter at the gym--or am I too busy this afternoon to take the hour to exercise after work?
• Dinner out and a few drinks or drag the family into the kitchen and cook some homemade soup and salad? Use up leftovers, save money, teach the kids a new recipe, have some family time, eat healthier...
  
• Scroll mindlessly through social media or play a board game with the family--and interact?
• Stay up in silence watching the family play individually on the phones or spend a few minutes and plan an impromptu family movie night?   
• Toss those empty cat food cans into the trash or rinse them out for the recycling bins?
• Write a to-do list for the weekend or let it all swirl without direction through my mind--and keep me awake and stressed for three days.
• Start that gratitude journal or waste the opportunity to become a little more mindful of the day's events?
  

I know you go through these constant decision making dilemmas--and many of your dilemmas may even be the same as my dilemmas!  In the end, every single one of the choices I face throughout the day has an impact on the success or the failure of my goals.    

“Every choice you make has an end result.” – Zig Ziglar

And, if I am honest, when I write down some of the choices that I am choosing between--it seems a little silly that I am even feeling pulled between the choices!  Unless, of course, I am not actually committed to the changes I seek. 

I know what I need to do--but, those old bad habits...those old comforts and conveniences always try to pull me away from meaningful changes through bad, quick, easy choices.

You Can't Control the Bumps in the Road--

But, You Can Control Your Responses and Reactions to Those Bumps

– Julie Donner Andersen

Bad things happen.  Schedules and best-laid plans blow up.  Kids get sick.  Grown Ups get sick.  Jobs and clients are lost.  People we love die.  People we need and trust betray us.  Life happens.  Even the most intuitive, skeptical and independent of us fail to see a bump in the road every now and then!  Sometimes life throws us some unexpected, unfortunate curve balls.  Sometimes life throws a whole bunch of those rock-bottom slamming, life shattering cannon balls in rapid order.  

I know it's hard.  Some days are harder than others.

But, even if some of our choices are taken from us or made for us--we still have the opportunity to choose our responses and reactions.  We still have the opportunity to choose to change course and redirect ourselves toward our goals through new and different choices.

When bad things happen to you, focus on what you can learn from it. If you focus on the bad, you’re doomed to repeat it. 

– Mel Robbins

I know this is one of my biggest personal challenges! It is oh so easy to fall into the negativity trap of seeing only the bad things happening. Seeing only the good things falling apart or disappearing around us. The path to self improvement is not an easy own.  It is littered with distractions and bumps and pitfalls.  

 Ready to Commit to Making Different Choices in your Life?

It is important to remember that:

1. Real changes require real choices in your daily life
2. Only you can decide if it is time for a real change in your life
3. Only you can decide if you are ready to accept responsibility for the choices needed for change in your life
4. You will need to face many choices throughout a day.  Some will lead you closer to your goals while others will slide you backward on your path.
5. You can't control all of the bad things that happen as you journey toward your goals--but, you can control your response to them and their long-term impact.
6. 
   

Is it time to make different choices for your life?  

The past few years have taught us so many lessons:  from taking our normal, mundane activities for granted to realizations that maybe, just maybe, the lives that we live need a little tweaking in some ways.  Sometimes; however, we realize that our focus may be a little misguided.  Maybe we are focusing on a few negative aspects rather than many handfuls of positive ones.  Maybe we know that want something different for ourselves or our families or our lives--but, we just can't seem to get ourselves on that different path.

Today, I have a few of my favorite motivational quotes about focus and mental clarity that may help you change or redirect your focus to better work toward your goals or even help you focus your intentions and ideas to set some goals and plans!

Where is your Focus Today?

 "Our life always expresses the result of our dominant thoughts." -Søren Kierkegaard

In other words, what we think about ourselves, our relationships, and our world becomes our reality. If we constantly think negative or limiting thoughts, those thoughts will eventually manifest themselves in our lives in the form of negative experiences. Conversely, if we focus on positive and empowering thoughts, those thoughts will also manifest themselves in our lives, leading to more positive and fulfilling experiences.

This quote reminds us that we are all creators of our own lives. We have the power to choose our thoughts, and our thoughts have the power to create our reality. If we want to change our lives, we must start by changing our thoughts.

Not Enough Time in Your Day?

"Lack of direction, not lack of time, is the problem."

- Zig Ziglar

Zig Ziglar highlights the importance of having a clear goal or purpose in order to achieve success. Without direction, we are easily distracted and our time is wasted on unimportant tasks. When we have a clear goal, we can prioritize our time and focus on the things that matter most. This quote is a reminder that we all have the same amount of time each day, but it is how we use our time that determines our success.

Are you Running Your Day

or 

Is your Day Running You?

"Too much sugar leads to a heavy body, and too many distractions lead to a heavy mind."

-Naval Ravikant

This quote is a metaphor that compares the physical and mental effects of overindulgence. It suggests that just as consuming too much sugar can lead to weight gain and other health problems, too many distractions can cloud our thinking and make it difficult to focus.

On the physical level, sugar is a simple carbohydrate that provides quick energy. However, if we consume too much sugar, our bodies can't process it all, and the excess is converted into fat. Sugar excess can lead to weight gain, obesity, and other health problems such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
On the mental level, too many distractions can make it difficult to focus and think clearly. When we are constantly bombarded with stimuli, it becomes difficult to filter out the noise and focus on what is important. This stimuli overload can lead to decreased productivity, poor decision-making, and increased stress levels.

Here is your reminder that we must be mindful of our physical and mental health. Just as we need to eat a balanced diet to maintain a healthy weight, we must also limit distractions to keep our minds sharp.

"If you don’t pay appropriate attention to what has your attention, it will take more of your attention than it deserves."

-David Allen

We are responsible for our own attention. When we don't intentionally direct our attention to the things that are most important to us, we will find that our attention is drawn to distractions and things that are less important.

This habit can lead to several negative consequences, such as:

• Procrastination: We may put off important tasks because we are distracted by less important things.
• Inefficiency: We may take longer to complete tasks because we constantly become distracted.
• Stress: We may feel stressed and overwhelmed because we constantly juggle multiple tasks and distractions.
• Dissatisfaction: We may feel dissatisfied with our work and our lives because we are not making progress on the things that are most important to us.

To avoid these consequences, we should be intentional about our attention. We need to learn to identify and manage our distractions, and we need to develop the habit of focusing on the things that are most important to us.

"You will never reach your destination if you stop and throw stones at every dog that barks. "

-Winston Churchill

This quote is a metaphor for life. In the same way that a dog barking on the side of the road will not stop you from reaching your destination, neither should the minor setbacks and challenges that we all face. It is important to develop a thick skin and learn to ignore the "barking dogs" in our lives.

There are many things that can distract us from our goals, such as negative criticism, self-doubt, and unexpected problems. However, if we allow ourselves to be derailed by these things, we will never reach our full potential.

The key is to stay focused on our goals and keep moving forward, even when things are tough. We should not let the "barking dogs" distract us from our path.

Are you struggling with maintaining focus and mental clarity throughout the day? Don't worry, you're not alone. Many of us face the same challenges in this fast-paced world. The good news is that there are some simple yet effective ways to improve your focus and mental clarity. Today, we will explore ten strategies to help you achieve better concentration and clarity.

1. Practice Mindfulness Meditation

Mindfulness meditation is a wonderful technique that helps you train your mind to stay present and focused. Daily, dedicate a few minutes to sit quietly and observe your breath. With consistent practice, you will notice an improvement in your ability to concentrate and stay centered.

2. Limit Distractions

In today's world, constant distractions surround us, such as social media notifications, email alerts, and noise. Take proactive steps to limit these distractions. Turn off the notifications on your laptop and phone, designate specific times for checking emails, and create a quiet and clutter-free workspace.

3. Get Regular Exercise

Physical exercise is not only beneficial for your body but also for your mind. Exercising regularly actually increases blood flow to the brain, improves cognitive function, and enhances mental clarity. Include at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise into your day's routine to reap the full benefits.

4. Prioritize Sleep

Getting enough sleep is essential for your cognitive function. Lack of sleep hampers your concentration and cognitive abilities. Create a consistent sleep schedule that gives you 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night. Avoid caffeine and electronic devices before bed to ensure a restful sleep.

5. Fuel Your Mind with Healthy Food

The food you eat plays a vital role in your mental clarity. Incorporate brain-boosting foods into your diet, such as fatty fish, berries, nuts, and green leafy vegetables. Avoid excessive consumption of processed foods, sugar, and caffeine, as they can negatively impact your focus and clarity.

6. Take Regular Breaks

Taking regular breaks throughout the day enhances your focus and productivity. Our brains have limited attention spans.  Intense focus over long periods of time can lead to mental fatigue. Schedule short breaks every hour to recharge your mind and maintain optimal mental clarity.

7. Stay Hydrated

Dehydration can negatively affect your cognitive function and impair your ability to concentrate. Make sure to drink enough water throughout the day to stay hydrated. Keeping a water bottle nearby and sipping water regularly can help you maintain optimal mental clarity.

8. Practice Deep Breathing

Deep breathing exercises can have a calming effect on your mind and help you improve focus. Whenever you feel overwhelmed or distracted, take a few moments to practice deep breathing.  Relax and drop your shoulders, breathe in deeply through your nose, hold your breath for a few seconds, and then breathe out slowly and deliberately through your mouth. Repeat this process several times to regain mental clarity.

9. Set Achievable Goals

Setting clear and achievable goals contributes to better focus and mental clarity. Break down big tasks into smaller, easier to manage ones. This way, you can stay motivated and focused on completing one task at a time, without feeling overwhelmed.

10. Embrace Mind-Strengthening Activities

Engaging in activities challenging your mind can help improve your focus and mental clarity. Solve puzzles, play brain games, read thought-provoking books, or learn a new skill. By continuously stimulating your mind, you can enhance your cognitive abilities and maintain mental sharpness.

In conclusion, improving focus and mental clarity is achievable with the right strategies and habits. By incorporating mindfulness meditation, limiting distractions, getting regular exercise, prioritizing sleep, fueling your mind with healthy food, taking frequent breaks, staying hydrated, practicing deep breathing, setting achievable goals, and embracing mind-strengthening activities, you can improve your concentration and  mental clarity in your daily life. Give these strategies a try and witness the positive impact they can have on your focus and overall well-being.

What better way to kick of the month of November than with a 30 Day Gratitude Challenge! If you missed the value of a gratitude jar or gratitude journal post--take a minute and check out that post! As an effort to refocus and let go of some of the negativity that settled in over the past several months, I have decided to focus on a daily gratitude theme each day in November!

Whether you are keeping a gratitude jar or journal--or simply sharing a grateful post on social media--join us this month as we document things that make us grateful and celebrate 30 days of gratitude! 

Ready to Join Us in the 

30 Days of Gratitude November Challenge?

I am going to be adding my daily moments of gratitude to a gratitude jar and, below, you will find a printable list of 30 days of writing prompts to help you journal as well as a simple, printable theme list for daily gratitude reflection and social media sharing! 

Journal Writing Prompts for the 

30 Days of Gratitude November Challenge?

Day 1.   This morning, I was grateful for...

Day 2.   I saw three things made me happy/smile today...

Day 3.   When I smelled ...  it reminded me of....

Day 4.   The best tasting food/drink that I had today was...

Day 5.   I had forgotten how ... the ... felt until I touched it today.

Day 6.   The most wonderful sound that I heard today was...

Day 7.   I am grateful for my family today because...

Day 8.   I said thank you to ... because...

Day 9.   This afternoon, I was grateful for ...

Day 10. Today, I saw (this animal) and it made me feel...

Day 11.  During a walk ... I saw...

Day 12. I am grateful for the food at (breakfast/lunch/dinner) today because...

Day 13. I am thankful for the water that I ...

Day 14. Today, I took time to practice self care by ...

Day 15. I love this part of my home.  It makes me feel...

Day 16. Today, I laughed because...

Day 17. This evening, I ... and it made me feel...

Day 18. Although it was a challenge today, I am glad that I ...

Day 19. The best gift that I received today was...

Day 20. I learned/remembered a valuable life lesson today--and it made me realize...

Day 21. The most inspirational story I heard today was about...

Day 22. I am so happy that I accomplished these three things today...

Day 23. Today, I remembered...and it made me feel...

Day 24. One dream that I have for the future is...

Day 25. I went outside at night and was grateful for...

Day 26. The most beautiful thing that I saw today was...

Day 27. The one thing that brought me peace today was...

Day 28. I was thankful to have time to enjoy (this hobby) today

Day 29. I was the happiest today when...

Day 30. Today, I was grateful that my career gives me...

Print the Journal Prompts for November!

Daily Themes for the 

30 Days of Gratitude November Challenge?

I am so looking forward to taking some time each day to reflect on the daily gratitude themes we chose for the month!  While I doubt I will post daily reflections on the day's theme every day of the month--I do hope to share some highlights of each themed day on Instagram and our other social media spots!

If you opt to follow along on social use #30DayBalancePeaceGratitude and enjoy your month!

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

 
2020 brought a lot of negativity to our lives from so many directions! We have all struggled to various degrees adapting to a host of "new normals" in our lives--even as we near the end of 2021. I will be honest--2020 brought many unhappy, difficult moments to my family, and it has been a long road through the healing and recovery! Through most of November, I will be focusing on finding the light in my days as I seek peace and balance in my home and family's life. You have probably heard a lot about gratitude--and the benefits of focusing on the positive things that happen during your day rather than the negatives.  

• Gratitude Journals Offer Health Benefits.  Research shows that journal writing offers powerful mental, physical and emotional health benefits.  It improves mood, reduces stress and even improves memory and cognitive function.  
  
• Gratitude Journals Increase Positive Energy.  Focusing on just a handful of positive thoughts goes a long way toward reducing negative thoughts, boosting self esteem and having a more optimistic outlook on your life.  
• Gratitude Journals Improve Sleep, Happiness and Perspective.  I find that when I think about the people, places and events of days with gratitude... I smile.  I relax.  I feel happy! When I am relaxed and happy, I sleep better, I dream more and I have a different view of my daily life. 

So.  I don't know if keeping a gratitude journal is all its hyped up to be.  I don't know if devoting time and effort into a daily logging of thankful moments will significantly improve my life as I close out another year.

But--what if it does?  

What if the simple act of keeping a gratitude journal does help me create the positive perspective and energy necessary to achieve the peace and balance that I have been missing for so long?

I am not sure if I will keep an official gratitude journal--or something less formal and artsy like a gratitude jar--but, I think it is time to see if being just a little more grateful offers just a little more peace?   

Not the official launch of my gratitude efforts--but, this morning, I am thankful...

1. For fresh lemons and limes in my water.
2. That Louise the cat adapted well to life as a house cat.  (She is the semi-feral cat we brought home from my mother-in-law's house after she passed away.)
3. That the breakfast burritos I made turned out well 

Tomorrow morning, I will be posting a 30-Day Gratitude Challenge so you can follow along with my month of gratitude!  Stop back tomorrow and download the challenge--and follow along on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook with #30DayBalancePeaceGratitude too!