Tuesday, June 30, 2020

One Little Word: It's The End of June Already!

When I first thought about writing an update for my word, I had to try and remember what word I had even chosen for 2020 (and search posts back to March to find out what it was.) That gives you a pretty good picture of how things have been going with Focus. 

The pandemic has made the months since March an especially hard time for me to focus, and I think that might be the way that many others are also feeling. But there is a very valuable lesson in that, too. Like breath during meditation, Focus isn't something you attain and you are able to focus happily ever after once it's achieved. Some days and some months have made it feel almost impossible, but each time I am reminded of Focus, during daily meditations, asking myself "Is this how I want to be spending my time?", and (hopefully) monthly blog check-ins, I can re-focus and calm my unsettled monkey mind. (And stop throwing stones at every dog that barks.)

Please visit Honoré to read what she and others have shared about their words. 
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15 comments:

  1. VeraJune 30, 2020 at 7:06 AM

    Nice update Bonny. I'm glad you are able to re-focus at times (and not throw stones at barking dogs). I thought about doing an update, but I've been ignoring my word (as I do each year) and decided not to bother!

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  2. SarahJune 30, 2020 at 7:13 AM

    Each month that passes convinces me even more that we choose the words we really need. We could never have predicted what would happen this year that would make it such a challenge to get through even our normal daily schedules, let alone our themes for the year. I am glad to hear that even amid this crazy atmosphere you're still striving to find your focus. I think that when we come out of this, you will feel better for having committed to it.

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  3. Becky R.June 30, 2020 at 7:18 AM

    Focus, what's that!? I find I do have a case of monkey mind a lot these days. I admire your ability to even strive for focus in these strange times. I hope when you achieve it, it provides you with clarity for a while.

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  4. CaroleJune 30, 2020 at 7:35 AM

    I like the idea of thinking of focus as a practice. You can do this!

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  5. KymJune 30, 2020 at 7:47 AM

    YES! There is no key to unlock focus. It's got to be an ongoing practice. And BRAVO to you for figuring this out . . . despite the pandemic and the pandemonium and the shoes dropping (left and right). There is a lot of power in these one-little-words. . . (And that Winston Churchill quote is one of my favorites ever.)

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  6. thehandwrittenthankyounoteJune 30, 2020 at 9:42 AM

    Your first paragraph really made me laugh :) And I'm starting to think I should tattoo that W.C. quote on my forehead...

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    1. BonnyJune 30, 2020 at 9:56 AM

      I have ignored focus since March and initially felt derailed by the pandemic, but for much of this month, I've been thinking that perhaps there were deeper lessons to be learned, and I should re-focus. If you get the tattoo on your forehead you won't be able to read it. Maybe your forearm? :-)

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  7. margeneJune 30, 2020 at 12:58 PM

    You are LEARNING to focus, learning what your word has to teach you, and learning is always a process. What is it you choose to focus on? On life? Well, life is a little negative at the moment. You're focusing on that image, an image which is THE THING that is most apparent in our lives. You're learning about the chaos, some of which is important, and, perhaps, it's info you need to know in order to deal with it, to acknowledge it. So, imo, you're doing what you need to do to get through this year. The second half of the year may be different for you, but you are still learning to focus. Do I make any sort of sense?

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  8. kmkatJune 30, 2020 at 1:04 PM

    I love this quote. That photo might just appear on my own blog.

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  9. kathy bJune 30, 2020 at 1:20 PM

    Oh, is this how I want to be spending my time? Good base for a days' thoughts. I got up and quieted my mind before I got out of bed and cleaned like a madwoman before the heat and humidity hit. i dont want to be cleaning, but now it is done and it is good to be all pretty. Now I can knit! and garden!

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  10. AsKatKnitsJune 30, 2020 at 6:31 PM

    This is the best quote ever. (and I need it tattooed on my hands so I can easily see it! Ha!)

    I wish you luck in your re-focus journey. (and if not, barking dogs are always a lovely distraction!)

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  11. KatieJuly 1, 2020 at 5:46 AM

    I love your Winston Churchill quote! And this was a great post - and a reminder that our OLW's aren't a destination, but a journey. Thank you!

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    1. BonnyJuly 1, 2020 at 6:12 AM

      I'm listening to The Splendid and the Vile, so Churchill has been forefront in my mind! The journey continues ...

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  12. karenJuly 1, 2020 at 7:46 AM

    while my focus has been recovering I still find myself losing it when the news is developing and it is always developing. This has been a very trying year.

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  13. MaryJuly 3, 2020 at 6:18 PM

    these monthly check-ins are so helpful for all of us. I love the chance to connect with my word AND see what everyone else is doing. I learn just as much from these blog posts as I do from my own work. I have also been a lot of unfocused lately. re-started Three Things Today this month and maybe that will help. Here's to a new month and a fresh start!

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