You Become What You Pay Attention To

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In class each week I try to share some nugget of wisdom I’ve picked up along the way. Recently most of what I’m sharing comes from my friend, Rosie’s book, Beautiful You.

Day 23: Realize That You Are What You Pay Attention To

She writes –

Consider this very simple truth. What we pay attention to, what we put our energy into, is a statement about what is important to us. It is a reflection of who we are.

She goes on to challenge the reader to examine and reflect where their attention and energy is spent and to make adjustments if they don’t like what they find.

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I’ve been limiting my intake of things that I don’t find helpful or kind (no more Law and Order SVU marathons for me) and I’ve found I’ve felt more at ease as a result.

Here are a few things I have found quite helpful lately.

  • Megan Francis’ The Kitchen Hour podcast. Specifically the episode with Math For Grownups author Laura Laing. In this podcast they talk about how to help your kids with math homework, online resources and how to deal with that pesky “new math”. I was completely riveted and wish I had known about this website and book earlier.
  • Joy the Baker podcast. Good lord, where do I start?  My child sings the theme song. Let’s just say these ladies have made their presence known (and loved) in our household. Can not say enough how much I crack up in every episode. I’ll bet you’ll want to be their best friends too.
  • Body Positive Yoga’s videos have brightened this curvy girl’s day. Amber is super funny and she knows her modifications for the three B’s: booty, belly and boobs. Such a great resource!
  •  How to Be Fascinating – Marie Forleo’s interview with Sally Hogshead. I was lucky enough to get a free deal because I subscribe to Marie’s weekly emails (and I will say I actually look forward to getting them each week because they are so good.) Turns out I’m a trendsetter – I see the future and would like you all to come with me. Sounds exactly right! In a world full of power yoga, I’m asking people to lay down and be quiet.
  • Brene Brown (one of my all time favorites) is sharing her favorite books. This is ridiculously exciting for a book nerd like me.
  • My friend Rosie is a genius (this post is inspired by something in one of her books!) and she has figured out the secret to life: unscheduled days. I know. Brilliant!

What are you putting your energy and attention these days?

7 thoughts on “You Become What You Pay Attention To”

  1. Oh, I need some Math for Grown-ups. Thank you for sharing! I have an unscheduled day on Monday and though my to do list is long, it will feel like sweet relief to have it just unfold. Do you have one scheduled?

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    • rosie: i wish i would have thought of math for grown-ups third grade edition. she is brilliant. i know what a cluster f homework can be, so i hope everyone finds out about her book and website.

      it is funny you referred to unscheduled time. i ended up napping every day this week with ruby instead of doing any work. i decided to replenish my sleep deprived self instead of pushing through and then i got a massage yesterday. needless to say, i feel a whole lot better at the end of this week then i did at the beginning. self-care for the win!

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  2. Thank you thank you thank you. About to be all over the Math for Grownups (you remember me talking about polygons, girl) and Body Positive Yoga. Major awesomeness.

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