Focus On Your Feet

My Mom told me about a post she had read and thought of me (found here), I first came to know Laurel Christensen when I listened to her speak at Time Out for Women and I have been reading her blog ever since, but somehow I had missed this post.  I read it, and then read it again, and a third time because I needed to make sure it really sunk it.

I loved this quote she posted (and the painting):

"I remind myself to 'be where my feet are' often. My mind tends to drift toward the future, sometimes planning or worrying about what lies ahead, missing the present. Being present is where life is the most rich and colorful. I've even found myself consciously feeling the soles of my feet on the ground to get myself there."

-Artist, Cassandra Barney 

See I am a planner, a worrier, a list maker, and a replanner.  I think about what we need to do, where we need to go, and how in the world are we going to get there.  Sometimes I spend so much time worrying and planning I don't stop to enjoy life right now.

One of the things I worry a lot about, a house: how are we going to save up the down payment, how long is it going to take, and why in the world am I stuck in this little itty bitty twin home.  We talk about it, make a game plan, and then I fall into despair because the entire task seems so daunting and it will take SO LONG to get there.  I talked about the house being my "Golden Ticket" (here) and my outlook has improved but this was one more step in the journey, I need to focus on right now and what I can do today.

But then I realized it didn't just apply to the house, although that seems so central right now, it also applied to my every day.  I seem to get overwhelmed with everything I need to do: maintain the house, cook 3 meals a day, get kids out the door on time, exercise, scripture study, what needs to be done for my church calling, help kids with homework and reading...this list could go on forever.  I sometimes only see how I am lacking in each area instead of focusing on the accomplishments and celebrating the victories along the way.

It might have something to do with my "all or nothing/perfectionist personality", but I know I don't want to miss out on the "rich and colorful" moments that are now, because let me tell you life is good and I want to enjoy all of it.

So I added the quote to my sidebar, I plan to hang it on my mirror, and I also plan to strive every day to "Focus on my Feet" and enjoy the here and now.
 It may take a lot of reminders but I can and I will Focus on My Feet!!!