Focus Friday

"Whatever we focus on is bound to expand. Where we see the negative, we call forth more negative. And where we see the positive, we call forth more positive. Having loved and lost, I now love more passionately. Having won and lost, I now win more soberly. Having tasted the bitter, I now savor the sweet."

 Marianne Williamson 

I haven't done a Focus Friday lately because things have been a bit crazy (there are times that Friday comes and goes before I realize it was here).  Visiting with family this past week has reminded where my focus needs to be.  It's also reminded me that my job as a parent is to teach my girls how to enjoy what's around them.  Carving out time for family and treating family with respect is somewhat of a learned behavior.  If I do not make the effort to be around loved ones then they will not learn how important these people really are.

There are times that make me realize how disconnected we can be from one another.  Everyone is on their laptop, iPhone, or some other device and not really enjoying the people right in front of them.  I am guilty, especially in the mornings when I'm tired and it's so much easier to sit, drink my coffee, and go online while Abby watches tv.  


There was a moment this past week (or I should say a few hours) when me and the girls were the only ones not sucked in by technology.  I realized that everyone was really missing out.  Our visit was long but short in the sense that we only visit a few times a year.  We wouldn't be there next week and wouldn't see each other again until April or possibly sometime after.  I know when given a choice between technology or family we would all choose family but how often do our actions show something different?


I'm going to make a conscious effort to increase my quality time with my family.  Cell phone off and computer hidden away.  Today I took the girls outside to enjoy the first signs of Spring.  Yes, I know it's March 1st but I was outside in short sleeves... for those of you up North, please don't hate! 

I took time to make a delicious, healthy lunch while Abby played with her dinosaurs.  

Now, while both girls are napping, I have time to write without interruption.  By the time they wake up, I'll feel rested and ready to focus on these two little ladies:

Do you sometimes find yourself not living in the moment?  How do you make time for your family each day?