DISTRACTED

The other day I was thinking about some of the dumb things that my wife caught me doing. Once, I was playing a game in my mind while watching television but didn’t realize it became physically obvious to those around me. I had my feet propped up on my ottoman and for some reason was lining up my toes and fingers with what was happening on the screen. Yes, I know it is stupid, but it was something that happened all of a sudden. It wasn’t planned. The only reason my wife realized something was going on is because she saw me opening and closing one eye. Nothing else had moved on my body. When she asked me what I was doing, I could only say, “nothing.” How do you explain the stupid games that happen in one’s own mind?

There was another time many years ago that we visited my dad and drove by the beach on the way home. We went through the parking lot and at one point there is a stop sign that faces the beach. When I came to a stop, there was a woman directly in front of me that removed her shirt and wore on a tiny bikini. Then she turned the other way removing her shorts to show her thong. I froze. My mind went blank. I forgot to proceed from the stop sign. The brain-fart only lasted a few seconds, but the result was a long quiet drive home. WARNING: DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME.

Needless to say, distractions come in all shapes and sizes. Some may be harmless, some are not.

Some may not have any consequences.  Some may be severe.

We live in a world where distractions are everywhere. We may be at a family meal when a text message comes across our phone. Rather than talk to those around us, we may engage in a conversation with someone miles away. We then wonder why families aren’t communicating as well anymore.

How many times have you seen a person driving 10 – 20 miles under the speed limit swerving in the fast lane only to pass them to see them texting on talking on the phone? Have you ever been in a meeting when something happens that takes your mind off of the topic being discussed? Even being in a conversation with someone, there are times we are not focused on what the person is saying but rather on what we will say next.

I am as guilty as anyone if not more so. Like everyone else, my mind wanders. It may go to different places than most people’s do or maybe not. I don’t know what goes on in your mind.

We need to learn to focus. There are times distractions are necessary, but I am speaking of times they become more as a detriment. We should concern ourselves more with the task that matters. Put aside distractions of trying to gain wealth rather than help those around you. We all have a path we should take in this life, a purpose. Follow your purpose.

Don’t let outside distractions hold you back. Some distractions may include people saying you aren’t good enough. Some things hinder your personal growth. Some are people that just don’t understand you. Don’t let distractions stop you or define you. Be the best you that you can be.