Choose your focus

Salutations reader! Why don't more people use the word salutations as a greeting? It makes me slightly disheartened to think that society has digressed to the point where the eloquence of the English language is sometimes lost due to our overwhelming desire for simplicity. Then again, with our attentions spans shortening and words such as 'totes' and 'obvi' being adopted one has to wonder if it's integrity will be preserved at all. Regardless, I hope reader that you don't mind my wordy tendencies.
What an odd thing to put so much thought into huh? Well, I guess that is  one of the funny things in life, we decided where we put our attention and energy into. Lucky you get to experience so of my attention. If you've been keeping up with my posts, you know that I have a habit of allowing the negativity to come to the forefront of my mind and rob my ability to enjoy the present. Honestly this is probably one of my worst emotional habits. However, I am making a conscious effort to combat my own brain by forcing myself to do and/or focus on things that I do enjoy.
When I talk about this kind of re-framing of thoughts with my patients I like to reference the law of attraction. The just of the law of attraction is that what type of energy we put out and the way in which we frame our thoughts (positively or negatively) is what experience in our lives. For example, if you have a negative mindset, continually degrade yourself with cynical comments, and have a pessimistic outlook on life then that is the type of life you are creating for yourself. Conversely, if you have an optimistic outlook, engage in positive self talk, and maintain an uplifting mindset then those are the type of experiences that you will speak into existence. Being aware of and teaching this model, I would be a horrible hypocrite if I didn't put it into practice in my own life. For the post today, I'm going to provide a list of 10 things that I do which assist in creating that positive head space. Hopefully this gets you thinking about your own life and whether where you focus your thoughts and energy is actually beneficial.
Jordan's 10 Positive Areas Of Focus
1. Exercise/Sports: I feel like I am most in my element when I am engaged in some type of physical activity. Not only does it have obviously health benefits for my body, but it does wonders for easing my emotional mind as well. 
2. Helping others: This one probably sounds a little cliche, but I find true happiness in being able to assist others. Whether that be providing them a sounding board, playing devils advocate, or being their source of support, I truly enjoy being able to be there for others. 
3. Coloring: Yes, I realize that I am an adult, but coloring is such a mindless activity that it really does help distract my thoughts. Also, they make adult coloring books for a reason! I mean you don't see a two year old coloring an abstract display of the F word (...or I mean I hope you wouldn't). 
4. Writing letters and/or staying in contact with friends: I may be a little old fashioned, but I LOVE writing letters to people. It is such a sentimental gesture that not many people take the time to do these days and that's when you know it means something. However, thanks to technology there are also other wonderful ways in which I can stay in touch with the friends I've made over the years. Snapchat, texting, Facebook, Instagram, Skype, you name it, I've probably used. Also, on a side note, if any of you would like to become pen pals let me know! :)
5. The great outdoors: Getting outside in the open space and fresh air is severely underrated. There is just something so great about appreciating the earth and submerging yourself into nature that seems to suck all the trivial issues out of my body. Take me on a hike, walk, run, sunset/sunrise watch, or star gazing adventure any day!
6. Being with friends and/or family: While I have introvert tendencies, inherently I love being around others. I'm at my best when I am around people who I can truly let go and be my weird, awkward, goofy self. We don't even have to necessarily be doing anything. There is something truly special about being comfortable doing nothing with someone and just enjoying their presence. Also, I'm less likely to slip into a negative thought slide if I'm in the presence of others. 
7. Working with kiddos: For those of you who might not know, my initial desire was to become a teacher. There is just something about the potential that children posses that has always captivated me. Their innocent minds are unclouded by hate or bias and they truly look at the world with wonder. Spending time with a child is never time wasted and it always reminds me to not take life so seriously.
8. Give me all the animals: I don't care if you're a dog or a cat person. I think we can all agree that animals have this way of connecting with us that other humans just can't. That unconditional love and trust in us just fills the heart with joy. Unfortunately I do not have a pet of my own in Washington, but fortunately I have friends that allow me to be the auntie to their love muffins. 
9. Dance to the music: Do you ever just hear a song that speaks straight to your soul? There isn't a day that goes by that I don't listen to music. Music has the ability to influence our emotions and being the emotional individual that I am, I LOVE IT! Annnd because of the weirdo I am, I've been known to have solo dance parties in my apartment. Life is too short not to enjoy moments like that! (In case my Washington neighbor ever reads this. Sir, I thoroughly enjoy your jamming out to Disney music in the morning. I don't even care that I can hear it through the wall because it just makes my day every morning that I hear it. You're awesome. Keep doing you!)
10. Journal and/or blogging: Well looky here reader, I've somewhat accomplished what I intended to by creating this blog. It honestly has been a great outlet for when I don't feel comfortable and/or don't want to talk to someone. I've realized that I've been a lot more open and vulnerable on here than I think I intended. This has made me very hesitant to share the blog with people and as of today I think I have maybe reached double digits for people that I've personally told about it. It's not that I have anything to hide or that I'm ashamed, but as I've mentioned before, it has been difficult for me to open myself up to that type of vulnerability. So if you are reading this I 1. must trust you 2. Told you in hopes that you gain a better understanding of me as an individual 3. Want to use this as a venue for keeping you updated with my life that is based off of your time availability in your life. or 4. I don't know how you're here, but thank you for taking the time out of your day to read this.  
Welp, there you have it folks. At least 10 things that I try to do that automatically put me in a good mood. While I am aware of these things, I cannot say that I always follow through with using them. Sometimes I fall into the social media trap. Other times I let my overactive mind create ludicrous scenarios and convince myself to believe in false truths. Occasionally my motivation and drive just flat out sucks. Despite having these moments of 'gloom and doom,' I'm really trying to start practicing what I preach. There are only so many pity parties one can throw themselves in a lifetime after all. 
What I would like you to do now reader, is identify at least three-five things that you do which help put you in a good mood. Think about when you do these things and consider using them to your advantage. If something irritating happens at work, chose one to engage in and see how it impacts your day. The first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem, but the second step involves brainstorming a plan.
Thanks for making it through yet another one of my random thought rants. I hope that you all took some time to think about those things/people that you're grateful for (and shared it with that person) this past week. If you had, I'm sure you would have fulfilled my regular request of making someone smile. :) If you haven't, I strongly encourage you to do so! I hope you know that I appreciate you! It has taken a lot for me to be able to share this with others so thank you for being one of the people I felt like I could do that with. Until next time!
​-Jordan