There are so many ways we lose sight of the big picture. We go through life blind a lot of the time. It’s sad, really, how many of us, myself included, feel like days fly by and there is not enough time in a day to get done what we want to do. I fight the clock every day. I make a to-do list and poof, hours go by, and things don’t get done, so they get moved to another day.

This time debacle hit me hard when I was praying while making the bed. Wow, oh wow! I mean, I’ve said my prayers while driving in a car for years, but that was the first time I prayed while making the bed. I multi-task all the time. And it sucks because it makes time fly by too fast – and you don’t get stuff done right half the time. At least, that happens to me because I leave projects half-done, having run out of time that day.

I’ve been going to meditation/breathing classes, and they are wonderful. I feel so calm and focused being there. As soon as I step foot into my house, that goes away, and the franticness (huh, that is a word) begins.

I get right to work on something that needs my attention. The meditation experience is only for class, yet I could feel that way every day in my home, getting calm and focused. But I don’t.

Woah, I needed to figure out why, and maybe it might help someone else understand why we’re always so damn busy!

We need to cool it!

How?

By being mindful.

How?

By focusing on the present moment.

What if the present moment involves projects and work?

Do one thing at a time and get it done.

What if we want our present moments to be calm and peaceful, doing things that lighten our souls and feed our minds healthy thoughts?

Then we have to work at changing that.

I know, work, more work, but this is good work. The kind that benefits us in a positive way. All we have to do is pay attention. It’s that simple.

As I’m writing this, I’m teaching myself what to do. I get it now. By paying more attention, I’m more mindful of my actions and choices and can choose what needs to be done based on my goals and purpose. And believe me, I know sometimes holding on to your goals seems out of reach and careless, but you must dig in your heels and never waver or give up.

Every action produces a reaction. The more you do something toward your goal (no matter how small), the closer you get to attaining your dream life.

[] We need to cool it, packing in too many things in one day. It burns time too fast and can burn us out.

[] We need to cool it, complaining about our lives but not doing anything to change for the better.

[] We need to cool it, believing it’s not possible.

If you’re bored (the opposite of my life), take a few minutes to figure out what you like. What gives you energy and purpose? When you know the answer, figure out something to do doing that.

Find the balance no matter what end of the spectrum you’re on in your life. And remember, every single one of us is worthwhile and has something to offer. We all deserve to receive what we desire.

I know some wish to win the lottery, retire on an island, and lay on the beach all day. That would get old really fast for me and probably most of us. We need to feel productive and feel a sense of purpose. That’s why many people who win large sums of money go through it fast and wind up in the same financial situation they were in before they won. First, we must pay attention to ourselves then we can figure out our purpose to be comfortable with change. Sometimes, in those situations, getting rid of the money feels better than having to look within and grow/evolve.

[] We need to cool it, pretending things are okay and living a mediocre life, afraid to look within ourselves.

[] We need to cool it, worrying about being judged.

[] And —- we need to cool it, allowing the pace of the world to dictate our timetables.

I mean, look at how many things are being produced quickly, with a lack of quality control, and there are glitches or problems. Structures built too quickly skimp on good construction for more quantity and, again, won’t stand the test of time like older ones. Look at home construction now. Unless you have a premium builder who takes pride in their work and hires only qualified folks, you’re going to see shotty work. Most companies would rather profit over quality.

People can’t talk to each other because they’re on their phones or computers too much and prefer to text than call or meet face to face. Serious relationships are happening online where people don’t ever meet in real life. And too many of us are having half-assed relationships where we “phone in” our attention by being too busy with work, hobbies, friends, etc.

Whether we choose to believe this or not, outside forces affect us. It can be good or bad. ed negatively by many outside forces at work, influences that spread messages that seem less stressful and easier and allow us to feel like we’re part of the crowd. If we do that, we won’t stand out and get noticed.

Have you noticed how manners are fading into the background where it’s not cool to open a door for someone or say thank you? We don’t make eye contact much while walking in a store or at work. We’re in our heads working on the next thing that we think needs to go down. Or, we’ve become self-conscious from outside influences who tell us what’s good or not.

We need to cool it!

I’m writing these blogs to help change people. I know we’ve been on the wrong trajectory for years. In our culture, the media aims to lead people in the direction of fear to keep us coming back for more. Dear God, look at all the pharmaceutical commercials and doctors prescribing those drugs! Most people don’t have a prayer to get healthier because of the pills they take for an easy, quick fix. Could you imagine if we stopped watching the news and negative stuff and put more focus on living authentically with kindness and positivity? I would imagine a lot fewer people would need to take a pill to function through the day.

It’s not a “hippie commune mindset”; I believe it’s the natural state of our minds.

Think about when you feel good. Doing what you like, being with your family or partner doing something nice, seeing a baby, a puppy, or heartfelt movies all invoke a sense of peace and positivity. We like it. That’s how we gauge happiness.

I’m writing to help us be better people, not suggest we need to live in Utopia where every day is sunshine and smiles. Hey, I know reality! If we’re better, our lives are better, and so are the lives of others. We just need to spread good stuff instead of causing pain to others.

We need to cool it, pay more attention, and focus on what feels good.

To cooling it,

Francesca