It is easy to get lost in “busy-ness”. I am very guilty of this. I can let hours pass checking emails, running errands, etc. It feels like I am doing important things but am I?

I am also someone who has a lot of different interests. As a young person I had a tough time deciding on a major because I like journalism, marine biology, psychololgy, French, etc… Even now, I often find myself in conflict because I want to do so many things! I am excited about writing, living in Florida, teaching, being married, learning about social media,  reaching out to others, etc. I only have so many hours in the day, so what’s a girl with a variety of interests to do?

Some would say I am well- balanced since I do have so many enthusiasms. I am certainly never bored. But I am challenged with feeling scattered at times; like I am feeling torn in different directions and being spread too thin. Over the years this experience of having too many balls in the air has resulted in unfinished projects and a lot of un-ease, anxiety, and insomnia. 

Can any of you relate to this? Is there a “specialist” in me? How should I be spending my time? What activities should take priority?

I love journal writing for harnessing my energy and focusing my attention for a few minutes. A little quiet reflection “me time” on paper often permits important things to surface. What is really important will become more obvious. Things I can (and perhaps should) release become more apparent too.

This morning’s journal exercise is a simple but powerful one. Don’t ask, but declare what you are committed to. The concept of commitment is a strong one. There is nothing wishy washy or fence-sitting about being committed to something. You either are or you are not. No middle ground here.

What will come up in this list of things you are committed to? Probably things that are most important in your life- the things, people, activities, etc. that deserve and need your time and attention (rather than the busy time waster activities). You are writing them down so that makes this exercise even more powerful. Research shows that our brains retain information more if we write it down. I think an actual energy imprint takes place when we write things down. I know I remember what I write down more and my attention gets better focused as well.

What we focus on grows. Hmm…. what we are committed to then could be given the chance to expand in our lives. Why put things important things on the back burner while we fritter and waste our time on less important tasks?

So, here goes. My journal entry this Saturday morning, April 30, 2011 at 10:32 am looks something like this:

I AM committed to:

1. My husband (to love him unconditionally and be a fun life partner with him) 

2. My children (to love them and be the best mom I know how to be)

3. My health (get outdoors, exercise, eat well, take quiet mental breaks often)

4. My students, when I am with them (to keep them safe, inspire, and challenge them)

5. The Warm Milk Journal (helping others with anxiety, insomnia, and living the life of their dreams!)

6. Learning new things.

7. Being creative (with my gardening, writing, cooking, etc.)

8. Travel and have adventures.

I will stop here. Your turn!

You Are committed to…  Begin writing…

Have a blessed day,

Debra

Related Posts:

• What is the most important thing right now?
• Meditative Journaling For Greater Peace: a guest post by Jack Ori
• What is keeping you awake at night?
• Here’s why I had a great night of sleep last night
• Be vigilant to keep anxiety away