2018. It's time to FOCUS.

I’ve typed and deleted statuses on Facebook since January 1 trying to write out these words that have been on my heart. Sometimes a status just won’t do. So here we go. 2018, it’s time to win. 

I have three ideas on how to keep our minds alert this year. In a world inundated with mind numbing news alerts and overwhelming global updates, now, more than ever is the time to stay alert. Our culture tells us to drown out the real stuff with the fake. So if we are not careful, we spend our time on a handful of applications that help us escape our own realities and find momentary pleasure in something that isn’t even tangible in our own lives. Staying alert is a decision that is made daily, even hourly. It takes discipline to face our anxieties, fears, or things we just don’t like about our lives instead of drowning out everything around us by plugging in headphones and getting lost on YouTube. Staying alert takes focus, it takes consistency, and it takes keeping the right people around you. 

 

It takes Focus -

Focus on what you want. Make conscious decisions. Make the right ones. Don’t allow life to dictate your decisions. How does that look practically? Whenever something negative gets thrown your way, you have the opportunity to either give into your selfishness and justify being petty/lashing out/eating a tub of ice cream or you have the opportunity to make the right decision. It’s up to you. You are accountable to yourself. Some decisions you make other people won’t ever know about, but you will know. There is nothing more rewarding than making the right decision for yourself. 

Have you ever given someone an anonymous gift? Do you remember that joyful feeling of knowing you were blessing someone and they would never find out who it was? It’s almost like Secret Santa or a Secret Admirer. It’s a giddy feeling knowing that you were able to make someone’s life a little better and they won't ever have to feel indebted to you. 

Now do that for yourself. Make the right decision and feel that giddy joy bubbling up because your emotions can’t control you, your appetite can’t control you, and your environment can’t control you. 

 

It takes Consistency- 

Keep showing up, with a good attitude I might add. The more practice you put in, the more muscle memory you have. 

Wanna be kinder this year? Put in the work. Build the muscle. Change your reactions. Instead of being reactionary, be proactive. 

Wanna tuck in that tummy a little more? Choose water over a milkshake. 

Wanna make your relationship stronger? Listen to podcasts and learn from people who have been together for thirty years. Don’t take advice from those who aren’t qualified. Go to ones whose relationships have lasted for longer than you’ve been alive. 

 

Don't be Naive -

Be on your guard against naivety. Take people for who they are. It’s okay to be empathetic and give people the benefit of the doubt, but once someone has shown you who they really are, believe them. Guard your heart and protect your dreams. This is the year for you to dream big, but not everyone around you should hear those dreams. Keep the most treasured things closest to your heart and protect them. Keep your heart on fire and passionate for everything that you love and want. 

Although it may seem cliche, I believe that this year can be truly incredible for all of us. Let's keep our minds alert and keep each other accountable and make this a year of true growth. 

Love you all,

LOLA