I live where my focus is.
The Good Book says, ‘Where your heart is, there will be your treasure.”
Where my heart is… hmm.
In the ancient text, the word heart referred to everything I’m made up of – my substance.
So it must matter where I focus my thoughts, my energies, my choices, my actions — some of those things that make up my whole being.
Let’s explore an example…
If I focus on my lack of stuff, or my lack of talent, or on what someone else in my life is or is not doing, that’s where I will live. Without stuff, without developing my talents, and probably envious of what others have and what they have accomplished.
That’s not a lot of valuable treasure! It doesn’t even sound like fun.
But I’ve been guilty of all of that…….
If I focus on my abilities and dreams – and clearly understand that my abilities are only starting points from which to develop my dreams – then I will live in the process of becoming who I can be.
Then there will be hope for my tomorrows.
Setbacks may set me back, but they won’t break me.
That sounds a whole lot better to me. I have done these things too and am getting better at keeping my focus where it should be. Or bringing it back when I get off course.
I know it takes a lifetime, this process of living fully. But what treasures can be found along the way!
Where is your heart? And how do you discipline your focus? Do you treasure the process?
Enjoy the coffee while you mull these things over. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. 
Barb
P.S. The photo above is of our family’s hand-made dinner place cards from last Thanksgiving. I chose this photo because my family is my number one focus and treasure. Making something a little special for them is always a treat.
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And if you focus on your really good cup of coffee it will be “good to the last drop”. Ever do that? Make a cup of coffee and sip it while working, not really tasting it or finishing it for that matter? You end up with half a cup of cold coffee and the other half you barely remember tasting. This is a super post Barb! Focus is so important. Sounds simple, but we are SO easily distracted.
A friend emailed me today to say she’d had a realization about her career and how she’d been living in a fog lately. Living in the fog actually helped her to “see”. She HAD to stop and turn on the light to see her way through. She chose to focus. And this is a great metaphor for what you’ve just written about.
Davina´s last blog ..A Sacred Space Is Not Always Sunny
Hi Davina. Yes! I have done that with my coffee! (Not the first cup though — it rarely leaves my hand! And I enjoy it to the last drop… )
Your friend turned on the light to see her way through the fog. I love that. And I love people for recognizing it for what it is and doing just that. ‘Cause fog is real — and we have to get through a lot of it in a lifetime.
I’ve just had a chat with a gal I work with online in another venture, and she brought up the change-in-careers topic too. Not hers, but someone very gifted in the digital art world. Surprised me, but then no it didn’t. I think we often find clearer — maybe narrower but more defined — roads as we pursue our own stuff. Our focus changes as our goals do.
Thanks, Davina.
Good morning Barbara,
Thank you for this meaningful post. Accepting what gifts we’ve been given and making the most of them leads to happiness. Of course, I’m in the same boat as you when it comes to doing this perfectly. I have to work at it all the time.
It seems that a lot of women have waited until later in life to begin their artistic careers – which is a fact of life, and as you say – family is your #1 treasure (as it should be). I like to say that people are more important than paintings. On the other hand, I’ve seen artists, like Kathy Anderson take on art in her late 50′s and move on to excellence and success in a short time. She’s 64, and is getting known on a national level. She wasn’t particularly gifted to begin with, she’s had many more rejections than awards, but she plugs on and collectors love her work. She was one of the only artists at the recent Settler’s West Miniature Show in Tucson to sell both of her works – and to important collectors.
Kathy is my hero. If she can do it, so can we. Here’s to your success, joy and happiness in your endeavors Barbara.
Lori
Hi Lori. I will look up Kathy Anderson! Her story inspires me. — she knows where she wants to go, and maybe even more importantly, she knows why.
Thanks so much for sharing it…
Hi Barbara .. I love that word ‘focus’ .. we need to do it more often – and bring forth all our greatness – our spirit, our passion, our abilities, our kindnesses .. focusing on others and ourselves as we go.
Regardless of life – we will overcome because we are all that we need and things will come right, and we will move on from the negatives and difficulties .. time does heal for those with troubles or obstacles .. being happy as we go – enlightening others ..
Your table cards are beautiful .. and your love for your family fantabulous .. Hilary
Hilary´s last blog ..Women – how much education have women had in the past 2,000 years?
Thanks, Hilary. I love how you say “we are all that we need and things will come right.” What a rich thought. It’s enough to allow yourself some breathing room.
I’m glad you like my place cards. I kinda’ did too…….
I think I’ll head over and read about how much education women have had in the past couple thousand years.
Ah, what a refreshing article Barb. It’s truly the adventure in the process that makes life worth living, and we remember them much more than the finish I think. I love mulling over coffee with you. Have a great day.
Suzie´s last blog ..7 steps to Murphy-proof your Win7/XP setup
Thanks Suzie! I agree. I do enjoy process. Of course when the painting is finished — only finished if I truly like it — it’s getting it there that’s the fun part. An adventure. A series of ‘what if I do this?’ questions. And then exploring the answers. Lots of stuff gets put in the collage drawer, but still, I had fun. Hahaha!
Barb, Sunday mornings (we attend mass Sat. pm) are all ours. I permit myself no work from the office, no errands at all if possible, just throw in a load of laundry, fix a nice breakfast or brunch for us, read, putter, and hug lots. This morning it was so nice to sit with my cup of coffee and think or rethink a favorite scripture, the one on this site, and your thoughts about it.
I love the part in your letter about: live in the process of becoming. That says it all, but there is even more, perhaps in that by our “becoming” we influence others’ “becomings” —does that make sense? Sometimes what we forget is that by being honest about our ourselves, by revealing our searches, by falling and then getting back up through God’s grace, we are assisting unbeknowns our loved ones and even just those who watch from afar.
You are a good example of a light that shines with far-reaching rays into the hearts of many.
Have a wonderful Sunday, Barb. You are a true blessing to us all.
Hi Sally. What a beautiful way to spend a Sunday morning. How peaceful for you, as your week is so full. (BTW — your show at the Arts Center took my breath. As I came up slowly onto each painting, and then read the poetry accompanying each piece, I stood silent. Awed by your gift to read people so well. I hope to own the book when it comes out.)
You make such a good point about our being examples to others — whether or not we know it. I agree. Falling isn’t an issue — it’s how we rise and move on that gets watched. My number one passion is showing my girls — by example — how rich and full life can be down to the last minute. A life fully lived — warts, tears, laughter, adventures and failures and successes — all of it!
I think I must live in my computer then
Wonderful post Barb and those place cards are beautiful!
Anita
Sliloh´s last blog ..The Universe
Hahaha — and a lot of good you do for others from your perch at the keyboard, Anita! You have a gift.
Thanks.
I treasure the process and I’m a fan of putting my time, focus, and energy where it counts.
J.D. Meier´s last blog ..Information Overload is Not the Problem – It’s Filter Failure
I believe you, J.D. I read your blog, and I admire how focused you are. Thanks.
It’s unfortunate how many of us focus on the imaginings of our minds. Instead of seeing the beauty of the moment, our mind flies from the past to the future without any considering the present. The moment we focus in the present, we will realize our own limitlessness. Everything we put our minds upon will be possible if we start focusing our actions NOW.
Walter´s last blog ..The reason behind adversities
Hi Walter. Wow, have you said it all! Be present. It’s the only workable time we have! And then we’ll realize our own limitlessness? Wow I like that! Thanks so much.
My heart has been focused on travel lately. I met my grandchildren in Chicago in Feb. I went to Santa Fe for my birthday March 5th and this weekend to Ventura to visit three blogger friends for the first time. Travel rocks my world. I love your site and I need to do more creative things by hand…I think I’ll do something with my travel photos. Life is good. I won’t miss it!
Oh and I’ll be thinking about that book outline!
Hi Tess. Thanks for your kind words!
What wonderful experiences you’re having. Your travels are giving you pieces of entirely different worlds within our own borders. Chicago is a land of its own — I love the city. My daughter lived there her first couple years out of college, just off Franklin Park. One sunny spring Saturday, we walked the whole way down town — past all the brownstones that Kelly loved so much. I can still feel the balmy air with sun dancing through trees to pattern the tiny ‘yards’ of the homes along our walk.
And flying into the southwest desert is like landing in another space! My first visit there I just gawked. How fun to meet up with fellow bloggers in person!
Happy birthday — late! I wonder where you’ll be going next. Just take your laptop — for the book.
My heart is fully staked out in the inspirational world of true calling. I live it and challenge it in others. Work is love made visible the poet said. Authentic inspiration expressed is the greatest of loves.
Tom Volkar / Delightful Work´s last blog ..Authentic Inspiration Zaps Procrastination
Hi Tom.
You are both focused and blessed. I agree with you. Your work is a visual of what you love doing. Beautifully said.
And this: Authentic inspiration expressed is……. a work of art! In any field. And love is the greatest art of all. I guess love is what makes it authentic.
Thanks so much.
Hi Barb,
I saw the photo of the cards and KNEW they had a special meaning.
I’m with you. I quit focusing on that which doesn’t propel me forward. Over the years I’ve gotten so much better at focusing on that which affects me and my future instead of worrying about what others are doing. As my husband says, “it’s not your rodeo” (a good reminder for me to mind my own business and be there for loved ones, but not try to get involved – unless I’m asked).
Barbara Swafford´s last blog ..My New Baby – The Unveiling – Enter The Drawing And Win
Hi Barbara.
Yep — you would get that about the photo! Thanks.
Your comments here are so close to my own heart it’s almost funny. You have fewer years than I have, yet have learned earlier the lessons of harnessing and pursuing your unique purpose.
“It’s not your rodeo.” Thanks so much! I will hear your husband’s voice (imagined, of course, as a wise, rich baritone) whenever I wander off. The thing is, there are so many paths to take — and more look fun than don’t. It’d be so easy to dabble — in fact, I have. Long enough to realize there’s valor in reaching toward that which is unique within each of us, rather than signing up for the “Me too!” wagon tour.
Thanks for stopping by.
Barbara -
Thank you. Focus is such an interesting concept – it means being present and in the moment, absolutely concentrating on the now. I go to that place when I coach, when I run, when I write, when I’m helping others. There is nothing more powerful to me than being in that focussed place. I love that you emphasize that focus is not determined by apparent success and failure, but by keeping on giving energy and attention to what is most important. That is wonderful. Great post!
Phil
Phil – Less Ordinary Living´s last blog ..How to Keep Going
Hi Phil. Thank you so much! Yes, I too love that place… it’s where time isn’t a factor, only the process of doing until the thing is done. It amazes me how energizing having accomplished a task is! A task that is another step toward the goal, that is…
Think I’ll head over to Less Ordinary Living and see what’s up.
Once again Barb, a thoughtful post about the meaning of life. There is nothing like having part of your life taken away from you to make you focus on what you have left, to learn that there is beauty in all life. To take time to appreciate the small moments, like a cup of tea sitting on the porch and watching the birds soar by.
Although, if my treasure is indicated by the way I spend my time, then certainly my family is my treasure. I delight in the time I spend with them, lately that means my grandchildren. I cannot think of a moment when I have felt richer than when one of those little ones snuggles up next to me and says, “I love you Grandma”, I just hope I can be an example to them and help them learn to appreciate the small, special moments of life.
Hi Patricia. That’s a fabulous goal to have — wanting to be an example of living fully and appreciatively for your grandbabes. I am so with you.
Also with you regarding the snuggling and loving stuff. They outgrow that snuggling phase much more quickly than your kids did though — so grab all you can get. Though you don’t lose it entirely. My Dani — 15, a high school sophomore — still runs up to me from the basketball floor where she’s cheering to give me a quick hug. Cannot put a price on that!!!!! (They love us because we have loved them.)
Our birds were singing this morning for all their worth. Not warmenough yet to sit on the porch, but warm enough to walk outdoors and hunt for tree buds, accompanied by birdie music.
Thanks so much for coming by. I always enjoy your stories.
Barbara, hello, I am new here and have dropped in from Japan for a cup of coffee. Your words, ” live in the process of becoming who I can be,” really sang to me this morning. With so much focus on goals and destinations, it is easy to forget that it is the journey that matters as the process of our genuine becoming. When we are open to this process, everything along the way is part of the journey, and can be accepted with gratitude and even astonishment as such. Thank you for this reminder. Spring energy from the mountains here in Japan to you – Catrien Ross.
Catrien Ross´s last blog ..Catrien Ross on Reviving Your Passion and Purpose in Spring Vibrations from Japan
Hi Catrien! I’m delighted to meet you.
You write so beautifully. “…everything along the way is part of the journey…” I find I can step back from frantic when I look at my life this way. I live today. But I am a product of all my todays-turned-yesterday. Tomorrow holds the dream and the promise and the hope. But the living — the growth and joy and gratitude and abundance — are all part of today. If I miss the process, I miss living.
I enjoyed visiting your blog this morning. It’s fresh and the air is light, while the questions you ask are deep. You reminded me of our interconnectedness, no matter who or where we are. All life is energy, and we are created with the ability to harness ours. Learning how is part of our process, isn’t it? Individually, and in community.
Lots to think about this morning… Thanks so much for coming by and sharing. I hope you claimed a coffee mug for yourself.
What a beautiful post, Barb. You write like you paint, with such a deft hand, and so much gentleness and clarity of colour and light.
I was hooked after the title alone. The concept gets discussed so often and in so many ways, but you went straight to the essence of it, with one of my favourite lines from the Bible. My treasure is my family and my homelife, but also it would seem, my joy in trying to contribute something to the world through my writing. On sadder days, my heart yearns for Greece again, the light and the warmth of folk long gone and places changed beyond all recognition.
Hi Janice. Thank you! Amazing, isn’t it, how simply stated truth can be when we’re looking for it. That verse is also one of my favorites. That, and the supporting verse in Phil. 4:8. Which is all about focus. Combine them, and I can make my plans for today…
You miss Greece; of all the homes you’ve made, you yearn for Greece. There must be a beautiful story there.
The title for this post caught my attention. I have to agree where we choose to place our focus is where our life is really at. We become what we think and do. In my case I love writing therefore, I enjoy the process that I am engaged in, I like where I live.
Hi Baker. You wrote ‘We become what we think and do.’ I agree completely! It takes thought and action both to get where we want to go, and to become who we are meant to become. Thanks so much for coming by. I’ll return your visit and see what it is you love to write about.
Yeah, our thoughts are pretty powerful. Imagine if all of us just like put our intentions in the right place the amazing things we can accomplish together in this world in a positve manner that uplifts society!
Hi Barb! This is a wonderful topic that seems to elude me most times. Not to say I don’t have places or people that are near and dear to my heart, I simply have a hard time focusing on any one thing for too long. No, haven’t been diagnosed with anything
Just have so much I want to do since I’ve wasted much time focusing on too much drivel during past decades.
As I begin venturing into my creative side, I hope to gain a more purposeful focus that becomes clear and pointed soon. I truly believe if we follow our own heart’s desires that we find true happiness. And I’ve never been happier than what I’ve been doing thus far this year!
PS: did you get the link to cj.com and find Starbuck’s?
Lisa´s last blog ..Someplace Else
Hi Lisa! Thanks for your comments. I too think our happiness is tied up with actively pursuing something meaningful to us. You’re blessed to have found that for now. I say for now, because as we continue to grow, we continue to refine — or change — our pursuits. I’m open to that as well. Focus is so important, but I don’t think it’s static.
Thanks too, for the link to the Starbucks thingie. I had contacted them directly too — but you gave me more information. Bless you…
Everyone seems to have taken your words having the meaning: focus on what matters to you.
Excellent advice, though at first that seems at odds with living fully, since by definition, focusing on one thing is cutting out the rest.
To avoid over-focusing, I have found a mental trick though that works very well. Here it is for what it’s worth. I don’t know much about Zen or meditation techniques (though I have in my time gained several diplomas in rather dubious branches of hypnotherapy). Maybe this is what the Zen and TM people do? I just tell myself to open my awareness to everything around me. I try not to try!
A metaphor comes to mind. “Don’t push the river.”
I find the spotlight then falls automatically on what matters most to me. (I love it when it’s my morning coffee!)
Valerie Beeby´s last blog ..iPhone Art App Mixer, Uninvited Guest.
Hi Valerie. You make me smile. I love the metaphor. And actually, I agree with you completely. Focus is very important, but I don’t believe it is static. I don’t subscribe to any level of ‘status quo.’ I don’t think it exists.
Mental focus is vital to me… in the early mornings, reading, thinking, writing — always with a cup of fresh, hot coffee.
Later in the day it may be painting. I lose myself in both these activities, and time is not a factor while I’m focused.
Opening my mind to possibilities is something I practice, on a conscious level, as I write, or paint. Or drive. Or shower. Or have a gentle conversation in the coffee shop. Or listen to others’ conversations. (Yes, I do that, sometimes invited, sometimes eavesdropping. Shameless, I know.)
But staying open to and aware of what’s around you, and the inherent possibilities, is essential — in my opinion.
Thanks so much for this turn in the conversation.
Hi Barbara,
nice post about law of attraction and importance of focus. It works in my life, the great thing is that since I have realized about the power of the right focus, I am more happy and have more time for the things I love, because I concentrate on them and see “glass half-full instead of half-empty”
Justyna
Justyna Bizdra´s last blog ..5 Best Creative Thinking Techniques to help your business thrive
Hi Justyna.
You have a beautiful name! I like the sound of it…
Thanks so much for coming by and sharing your thoughts. Glass half-full seems more promising, doesn’t it?
I’ll be over shortly to visit your blog. I like the title of the current post…
Always looking for creative thinking techniques.
For me it is about focusing in the moment and not getting stuck in the “what was” or obsessing in the “what will be”
Hi Bean. Yes! Be present in the present… the best approach of all. The only time, really, we can control, is the moment we’re in. That’s where the choices lie… Thanks!