Sometimes as a kid, I’d ask my dad what he was doing, and he’d reply, “I’m thinking.” At the time, I thought this was the most ridiculous statement! And then, I became a parent.
I’m Thinking
Eventually, I started saying it. Usually, in exasperation, while trying to focus. On one complete thought. One written sentence. One parental task. Admittedly, the sentiment can occasionally come across like an abbreviated yell: “THINKING!” As a write-from-home mom, this is my adult response to kid interruptions.
My Kids: “What’s for lunch? When can we go here? She’s bothering me. He’s not playing.”
Me: “THINKING!”
And so it goes. I’m not great at multitasking. I really require focus.
One thing. At a time.
Imitation
The week before my 40th birthday, my twelve-year-old son started working on a drum song dedicated to me. On a sparkly red kit he got for his summer birthday, he played with pulse and pattern, developing a beat. The resulting rhythm sounded loud, chaotic, lifelike. Punk rock. Coming from his bedroom. And then, I heard a musical pause as he shouted, “THINKING!”
What a gift. “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery” (Oscar Wilde).
🍎 🌳💡🎶 🥁 💫
Focus and Concentration
How do you find focus and foster concentration? Is it through creating art? Journaling? Gardening? Exercising? Meditating? Praying?
RELATED TOPIC: 25 Journal Prompts for Mothers
My friend who is a local health and wellness coach suggests stillness, relaxation, setting intentions/priorities, deep breathing, practicing gratitude, cuddling, movement (such as walking dogs), having a morning ritual, and cultivating unstructured time.
Award-winning writer Alexandra Hudson of Civic Renaissance recommends expressing (and reviewing) affirmations, journaling, getting rest, going on retreats, and resisting device distraction.
Writing works for me. Also, I appreciate these women’s tips and reminders.
Create Room to Contemplate
Best wishes with finding focus, mamas. May we make space to do our precious THINKING!
