Fully Focus

I have to admit, I am a magnificent multitasker. I've mastered the ability to sit and build train tracks with my kids, reply to emails, fold laundry, stir dinner on the stove, answer the infinite "why" questions that come from little inquisitive minds, and paint my daughter's nails ALL AT THE SAME TIME. One might think that this is an incredible feat - but honestly, I am not overly proud of it.

Yes, I can get a lot done in my day.

Yes, I feel productive.

Yes, I will have dinner ready and my laundry (almost) done.

Yes, there will be evidence of playtime.

But in all of this, I have not actually focussed on any one thing and allowed myself to be fully present. This notion of mindfulness is by no way a new idea, but it challenges me each day. And the evidence of its effect on me is both physical and emotional - because my mind literally spins. It feels blurry and disoriented and a little bit mushy. Just like when you've been on that classic carnival ride, the Megatron (my fave as a kid!). There is a good portion of satisfaction but also a little bit of regret.

What is that regret that I feel? I think it is the missed opportunities that passed by me while I was being super-octopus arm-mumma-admin-manager-chef-play mate-encyclopedia. I may have mastered all 'the things' by I missed the moments. Like the moment when my toddler joined all of the magnetic train ends together and clapped herself with satisfaction; the delight in my son's eyes when he learns that the twinkling light from the stars are actually flaming balls of fire that only reach our gaze years later; the delicious smell of garlic sauteing in bubbling butter; the small size of the clothes that are folded in my lap that reveal the little bodies in my care. All of these things, as small as they are, are sacred.

Now, life would be grand if we could all just skip through a field of daisies in slow motion each day, delighting in the beauty of butterflies and beetles... but let's be honest : we would end up with nothing to eat and no clothes to wear. Things still have to be done and we all have important responsibilities to uphold. But perhaps it doesn't have to be one or the other? (as much as the thought of frollicking naked through the country-side greatly appeals to me 🤭!)

I've started to think about my day differently now that I am balancing home life, work, writing, ministry, friendships, and family. I look at my day with intention and think about how I can use my time in intentional ways, being present to the task or person before me. And it has been a game changer! I first heard of this approach to life through a mum who has six kids and had to find a way to make life work without her living in a "megatron zone" day in and day out. If you are keen to hear more about this approach, check it out at this link - https://youtu.be/2BKuSlstIBM

Essentially, it breaks up my day in intentional chunks, allowing me to focus completely on doing one thing well and with full focus and presence of mind. It means that there are times in my day where I turn my phone to 'do not disturb' because that is my intentional playtime with the kids and I don't want to be disturbed by telemarketers selling me holiday deals. It means that there are times when I ignore the dishes and unfolded washing and sit and focus on my emails & admin so that I can respond well and with purpose. It also means that there are times in my day when I don't reply to messages straight away because I am focusing on enjoying cooking dinner with my little sous chefs. There are times when I will sit intentionally with my kids as they eat their afternoon snack so that I can be a walking encyclopaedia and answer the myriad of questions they throw at me (with Google's help). And then there are times that I can relax and listen to a podcast or chat to my sister/friend on the phone while washing the dishes or folding that darn laundry. Each chunk of my day I have approached with intentionality rather than a messy and muffled mind.

There is this really simple proverb that has helped me shape this new way of approaching my day - "Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you" (Proverbs 4:25). I often say this to myself as I go about my day. It brings me back to focus and reminds me of my intention for the moment in front of me.

So Mummas, how can you think more intentionally about your minutes and moments in your day? You know what they say… the days are long but the years are short. You get to choose how to live them.

Big love to you all ❤️