Focus
For the last few weeks, it seems I’ve been a little scattered. Maybe it’s due to the fact that we’re finishing two rooms in the basement (my new office and our laundry room) and as a result, there’s a certain state of disarray in our home. Or maybe it’s the fact that I’ve had a tougher-than-anticipated project I’ve been needing to finish and it’s weighing heavy on my mind.
Somehow, I think there’s something deeper. More of my journey. As I type, I’m still not entirely certain what it is. But here’s what I think – at least for now. Two things come to mind:
- The one-year anniversary of starting my business
- The too-soon death of a friend who lived with purpose and passion
One Year Business Anniversary
I started my business in September of 2007. So, here I am a year later and things are really starting to take shape. I’m actually finding my niche (though saying that out loud is very disconcerting to my strong MBTI Perceiver – one who likes to keep options open).
As a result, business is picking up and I’m wondering how I’m going to manage all the details like paperwork, taxes and invoicing. My desk is cluttered and therefore, I have this nebulous yet concrete sense of stress and anxiety seeing all that needs to be addressed and yet not quite achieving. Inbox zero is one thing but a clean desk? Fly Lady help me!
Life and Death
Just the other weekend, long-time friends from church died as a result of a tragic house fire. Virginia Ware was 93 and had lived a long, full life of following God faithfully, giving to her family, loving her neighbors and serving her church family. Her daughter-in-law Lee Ware was only 50. Death, at any age is a loss. At 93, it’s the natural consequence of life. At 50, not so much.
A Life Lived with Passion and Purpose
But here’s what I keep coming back to. Lee found her niche. She loved children, she loved music and she loved God. Throughout her career and in her service as a volunteer, Lee was successful at using her spiritual gifts, her personality/behavior/strengths and her passions. And the world, Lynchburg City Schools, Rivermont Avenue Baptist Church and my own children, are better as a result. Thanks Lee!
Watch the video (2:19) – Community Remembers Fire Victims.
What events bring things into focus for you? How are you finding your niche in business or your passion and purpose in life?
P.S. Interested in helping the Ware family? Click here.
October 21st, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Congrats on the year anniversary of your business!
And what a dear tribute to a woman you loved and who helped shape your family and those in it.
Awesome.
October 22nd, 2008 at 5:53 am
Cheryl I too am going through changes. I thought I had found my niche but it is kinda like an onion. I think it evolves. Would love to talk with you more about this. Congrats on your 1st yr!
October 22nd, 2008 at 1:04 pm
Cheryl:
1st congratulations on your anniversary. That’s quite an accomplishment.
2nd about the focus. I can honestly say that I have had a very difficult time focusing myself. I keep making a schedule and a calendar and trying to get at it. But I feel I keep spinning my wheels and dont make much progress. In therapy, I have learned that the major life changes I have encountered over the last 6 months are more or less taking a toll on me in ways that I did not expect. I think any time we suffer unexpected loss and big change in other areas of our life at the same time, things tend to get jumbled up. IMHO, it’s time to go easy on yourself knowing that this will pass. Breathe deep.