Focus on the Branch

As our daughter donned my old leotard from nearly a quarter of a century ago I half chuckled, half groaned at her rapid transition from one task to another. One moment she was crafting on the living room floor, supplies strewn about the rug and the next she was grabbing a snack on her way to change for another performance.

And today at the theatre?

Contemporary dance (hence the leotard). She requested Lindsey Stirling, the dancing violinist, to be played... adding dance DJ to my lengthy "Mom Roles" resume- next to human vending machine, cleaning lady, and chauffeur. As she moved I was simultaneously in awe of how she was growing into such an incredible young lady, and how it felt like just yesterday I was leaping and flipping about in that same leotard. Velvety purple with a top of sparkly turquoise, blue, and lavender, I remember the excitement of putting it on the first time.

Watching her move, I noticed it had the same effect on her. She felt powerful, brave, and graceful, embodying a new version of herself. After I'd stepped away to change some laundry, I returned to find her lost in the music and focusing on one thing and one thing only... clearing the entryway rug with one dramatic leap. She backed up, narrowing her eyes with determination. Pointing her toe as we'd practiced together, she took off. Yet I could tell before she'd even left the ground that she wasn't going to clear it.

She was focused on the rug.

I found a small window of pause to bring her to me without interrupting her flow. "Do you remember how often we used to see that squirrel in the backyard who would jump all the way from our roof to that tree branch?" I asked her, pointing. "Yeah! Sometimes I didn't even know if he was going to make it!" she recollected.

"I know," I responded. "I felt the same way! But I have a question for you... do you think the squirrel was looking down at the ground he was trying to clear or do you think he was focused on where he was trying to land?"

She smiled, understanding now why I'd brought up our furry backyard friend. "Ahhhh... focus on where you want to land!"

She backed up once again, taking a deep breath. Then, with a new burst of confidence and wisdom she leapt, soaring with certainty. Her feet landed safely on the other side, clearing it by nearly a foot this time! Giggling with pride she exclaimed, "I can even focus further than I wish to land!"

We all have big goals and aspirations. Even if we'd buried them deep down inside in favor of practicality or pleasing others, they exist in every single one of our hearts. Perhaps we haven't told them to a soul, fearing they're just too big. Maybe our energy and attention has gone to care for others. Maybe a combination of these but most likely we've been focused on the rug. Instead of keeping our sights set on the place we'd like to get to, we let ourselves stay laser-tuned to the obstacles we must overcome to get there.

Whether it be a beautiful home to call your own, wishing to travel the world, become the next great performing artist, or simply to live a life you enjoy... odds are pretty good that you've focused mind more on that which lies between you and your dreams rather that the vision itself.

Whatever we focus on is precisely what we'll receive more of. If we focus on what we're lacking, we'll continue the cycle. By focusing on our progress, even those baby steps headed to where we'd like to land, surely we'll keep creating more.

Ponder for a moment where that dear squirrel would be had he focused on his insecurity and fear that he wouldn't make it. Instead he leapt from our roof to the tree with all his might, never doubting that he would make it. Even when windy he'd only barely faltered. He leapt with the same courage and commitment as always. Met with a strong gust, he'd missed the one he was aiming for only to land on one just a bit lower. He paused only a moment only to recover, he then scampered easily to his intended spot.

Sure, we may not always land in the place intended. Sometimes we'll end up on a nearby branch with new opportunity and learning experiences. We'll only know if we set our sights on where we wish to land and have the courage to leap.

You may just notice that with your focus aligned toward what you wish to co-create in this life, you enjoy the soaring even more!

(I can't share this story and NOT share a photo of our brazenly ambitious squirrel friend.)

If you could use some inspiring to help you refocus on where you'd like to land, join us this coming Sunday 1/12 at 2pm for a special Author Signing and Poetry Reading Event held at The Nook in Downtown Cedar Falls. You're sure to leave feeling uplifted and refreshed!

Healing & Peace,

Ashley Kay