Where Is My Focus? 💛

It’s easy to believe that happiness comes from having everything go right. When life feels smooth, when prayers are answered quickly, when relationships are easy, and when nothing seems to go wrong. But if we’re honest, life will always bring us its ups and downs, its days that are really beautiful and some that are hard, days that are amazing and some that are uncertain and painful.

The reality is that we can experience the hills and valleys of life CHOOSING to focus on the good or choosing to focus on the bad.

Russell M. Nelson once taught:

“The joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives.”

That means that even in imperfect situations, we are not powerless. We can gently redirect our thoughts. We can choose what we give weight to.

One of the life lessons we can all gain is that happiness has far less to do with our circumstances… and almost everything to do with our focus.

Im reality, what we choose to think about, dwell on, and give energy to will shape the way we experience our lives.

In the scriptures, we’re reminded in Philippians 4:8:

“Whatsoever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely… think on these things.”

This is a pattern for peace. Our Father in Heaven wants to teach us that our thoughts do matter! What we focus on does make a difference in our lives. He wants us to learn how to train our minds to look for what is going to bring light, truth, love, and peace to our lives.

Here are a few ways to begin training our lmind and heart to notice the good:

1. Practice “Micro-Gratitude”
Instead of waiting for big blessings, notice small ones:
• A kind text
• A quiet morning
• A deep breath
• A moment of laughter

Gratitude grows when it becomes specific and consistent.

2. Name It, Then Reframe It
When something negative happens, don’t ignore it, but don’t stay there either.
Ask yourself:
• What is still good right now?
• What is this teaching me?

This doesn’t deny reality…It expands it.

3. Guard Your Mental Space
Be mindful of what you consume:
• Social media
• Conversations
• Your own inner dialogue

If something constantly pulls you toward comparison or discouragement, it may need to be limited. Take care of yourself and let go of the things that steal your joy.

4. Start and End with Intention
Begin your day by choosing a focus: “Today, I will look for God’s hand in my life.”
End your day by reflecting: “Where did I see goodness today?”

Theres a saying that says:

“Energy flows where attention goes.”

When we focus on fear, we feel drained.

When we focus on peace, gratitude, and truth, we begin to embody those things.

As disciples of Christ, we believe that light is not something we wait for. It’s something we choose to see. Something we look for and invite into our lives. We can invite this light by being present, building our relationship with God. Reading His words and purposefully being aware of our thoughts and helping ourselves to process them.

Jesus Himself taught in D&C. 88:67:

“If your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light.

I love this scripture because it teaches us that our eyes are the light of our body. Our “eye” acts as a lamp to our whole body, mind and soul. When our focus is on “the goodness” or on God, that goodness fills our mind and heart, which the. guides our actions and helps us to feel greater joy and peace in our lives. Regardless of what we “have” or “not have.”

When our focus is on God, that alone removes our selfish motives or ambitions. We remove the distractions that don’t help us and we strengthen ourselves in spiritual understanding which is eternal and truly fulfilling. ❤️

🌸 Heres a simple mindfulness & gratitude meditation

Take a moment, even now if you can:

• Close your eyes gently

• Take a slow, deep breath in… and out

• Let your shoulders relax

Now bring to mind three small things you’re grateful for today

(not big, perfect things—just real ones)

Pause with each one. Feel it.

Now quietly repeat in your mind:

“There is good in my life.

There is light around me.

I choose to see it.” 💛

Take one more deep breath… and open your eyes.

Tonight in class we’ll not only release stress, but we’ll also have a wonderful meditation to help us re-focus our mind and thoughts. 🙂

🌟 Goals for This Week

Physical Goal:

Take a 10-minute “gratitude walk” each day.

As you walk, intentionally notice 5 good things around you—nature, people, moments.

Spiritual Goal:

Each night, write down 3 things you saw God’s hand in that day. God’s finger are all around if we choose to discover them and see them. No matter how small the may seem.

Happiness isn’t about waiting for life to become perfect.

It’s about training our hearts and minds to recognize the good that is already here.

The more we focus on light… the more light we will see! 💛🥰

Hope that today and this week you can focus on the light. The light of God, the good in your life, your blessings and on being the keeper of your joy and your peace.

Hope to see you tonight at 7pm! 🥰🧘🏻‍♀️💛

Love,

Lili 🌺