What’s Your Focus?

A Great Idea …

“Optimism is not about providing a recipe for self-deception. The world can be a horrible, cruel place, and at the same time it can be wonderful and abundant. These are both truths. There is not a halfway point; there is choosing which truth you put in your personal foreground.” (Professor of psychology, Sonja Lyubomirsky in her book, The How of Happiness, p. 111)

In Other Words …

We all choose which truth we will feature in our lives. We can dwell on the pains, worries, and disappointments of our lives. Or we can focus on the growth, opportunities, and prospects. When we focus on the positive things that happen, we will find ourselves more energized and optimistic.

How this Applies to You …

What are some of the things that have happened to you this week? See how many positives you can find. You may discover a surprising number of small blessings: sunshine, children’s laughter, talking with a friend, or chocolate. How can you be more aware of and focused on the positives in your life?

To Find Out More …

For more great ideas (or to share your ideas), check out our Navigating Life’s Journey blog

For excellent (and free!) programs on improving your personal well being, check out The Personal Journey and Managing Stress at www.arfamilies.org.

For more information, we recommend The How of Happiness by Sonja Lyubomirsky or Authentic Happiness by Martin E. P. Seligman.

Author: H. Wallace Goddard

Wally Goddard is a retired professor of Family Life having served in Arkansas and Alabama. He developed programs on personal well-being, marriage, and parenting. He is well known for his many creative family programs, including The Marriage Garden, The Parenting Journey, and Blueprint for Happiness. Wally has authored or co-authored several books including Between Parent and Child, The Soft-Spoken Parent, and Drawing Heaven into Your Marriage. He has been recognized by his colleagues with several awards including the Outstanding Family Life Educator Award. Wally and his wife, Nancy, have three adult children, fourteen grandchildren, and have cared for many foster children over the years. Wally describes Nancy as the finest human being he has ever known. View all posts by H. Wallace Goddard