So Many Distractions...

There are so many distractions to take our mind in so many different directions today. Outside distractions, as well as inside distractions, and both can take us down different rabbit holes. Before we know it, we’ve spent so much time on things that don’t hold a lot of value.

So, what do these distractions look or sound like? The outside noise is rapid and comes with such volume that it can be intimidating. At times we feel like we are drinking from a fire hose! Social media platforms, all the various feeds for news, and of course always having our device with us and ready to view 24/7 can often be our loudest noise. I’m not against any of these things, as they can hold great value if we choose to treat them with care; working hard at not allowing all the fear, shame, guilt, judgement and comparison that can easily happen if we immerse ourselves in our devices. Everything in moderation as the saying goes. Our ‘inside’ distractions can easily be magnified by these outside ones, as we typically produce around 65,000 thoughts a day! I know that sounds like a lot, and it truly is, but the important thing to keep in mind is whether these thoughts are controlling us, or are we controlling our thoughts?

I would prefer that I decide  how to control these thoughts. I find a lot of peace in knowing that I’m accountable for my thoughts, and my responses, and I get to decide how these work every single day. Things like meditation, journaling, practicing emotional intelligence are all ways for each of us to stay present, grounded and work towards much more satisfying thoughts and relationships. Of course, things will happen that we don’t want, or we never expected… this is called life! We all want to experience joy and not pain, but the reality is both will take place in our lives. Your ability to get back up and keep going depends on how you handle the noise. Ultimately you are in control of your thoughts and the distractions!