Your Focus Determines Your Happiness

Ever notice how many people leave their shopping carts scattered around the parking lot?  Or how much garbage litters the streets? Or how often others fail to hold the door open for you?  Or better yet, how many people do not say "Thank You" when you hold the door open for them?  I must admit I have fallen guilty of noticing the annoying, sometimes inconsiderate and/or lazy behaviors of others. It seems all to easy to focus on the negative details in life and the price we pay for doing so, often goes unnoticed. 

What happens when we focus on these negative aspects, is that we end up creating an environment which fuels them.  Have you ever noticed that when you become interested in a certain make or model of a car, that you end up seeing that exact car all over the road?  It is certainly not the case that many others immediately ran out and purchased that same car, rather what has happened is that your focus has created an awareness of that car.  This example goes to show that what you focus your attention on, is in fact, what you will notice out in the world.  If our focus remains on negativity or deficit, then that is what we will see on a day to day basis.  If we change our focus to abundance and good will, we are more likely to notice how much positivity is really around us.  

If we look at our relationships and focus on the aspects that we appreciate, we are more likely to create more satisfying interactions. This also enable us to set our friends and partners up for feeling successful.  On the contrary, if we focus on all that is lacking or on what we are not getting in our relationships, then we set the stage for failure.  By appreciating the positive, we put ourselves in a position to receive more good and when we are gracious with our loved ones, they are more gracious with us.  It's a win-win and we are in control of the outcome.  

It's often easy to be appreciative and positive when things are good, but the real challenge is being able to focus on the positive during tough times.  The ability to do so is the difference between success and failure.  I encourage you to practice during easy times so that when the tough times arise you can fall back on familiar habits.  

What's one positive aspect about your day today?