The Importance of Being Intentional With Our Time and Seeking Out Positive Examples: How Does Who We Follow Affect Us?
Who are the influences we let into our lives?
What do I spend my time doing?
How does consuming certain information positively and negatively affect me?
Is how I am spending my time now propelling me towards where I want to be?
Is this the best use of my time?
These are all questions I have asked myself as I have thought about how different influences affect me. My mom coined the phrase, “where focus goes, energy flows.” We use this in therapy often to talk about how powerful our thoughts are and how what we choose to focus on becomes our reality. This is also true of the influences we give time to. It is critical that we reflect on how we feel about ourselves and our situations after being with certain people or groups, watching a certain show, and following a certain page or news source. If we are left feeling helpless, drained or less than, it is probably an indication that that interaction is an “energy vampire” in our lives and should be cut out. Likewise, sources that leave us feeling inspired, grateful, and happy are influences that we should cling to and learn from. Recently I’ve consciously tried to make an effort to find the people who are uplifting in the messages they put out; people who are letting their lights shine and inspiring others to be the best versions of themselves.
I wrote this entry about a year ago, but after visiting Magnolia, I feel more inspired to share it. Joanna Gaines has been a huge role model to me, not only for her brilliance in design, but because of her faith that she puts into action and the values that she embodies. After reading The Magnolia Story, I was so inspired by her experiences with prayer and recognition of God being in the details of her life. She would feel promptings from the spirit and act on them in faith. I was living in the Bay Area at the time where talking about faith and religion was considered impolite conversation and I was so moved by how unapologetically she spoke about her faith. I came away from that book feeling empowered to just show up, be authentic, and be who God needed me to be.
How many homes have been positively affected by her example? From the Gaines family being highlighted in the public eye, more individuals are now:
bringing the importance of creating spaces conducive to family togetherness back into their homes
recognizing the importance of slowing things down and spending time with family,
taking on the challenge to create
taking up interests in self sustaining activities like cooking and gardening
Most important to me is how her influence affects families. She inspires parents to make home and family a priority. She inspires others by the way that she and Chip live their lives and by the values that they are clear about and personify. Joanna is a shining example of someone who, for me, I am left feeling inspired, confident, and encouraged by.
“You are what you eat” and you are also what you listen to, talk about and watch. “Comparison is the thief of joy” and so is jealousy, anger and victim mentalities. I want to do less scrolling and allow less negative and time consuming influences to have time in my day. If we can be intentional about what we let influence us and what we give time to, we are actively becoming the examples we want to be.
The Hygge House
