A co-worker just experienced a loss and this is her first day back to work since that loss.  The first thing that popped into my mind was “focus on God and the rest is gravy”.  I suggested that each time she feels strong emotions, to focus on God.  Let Him be her strength.  I went on back, doing my work.  Then something came over me, and I felt like, I can’t let this opportunity pass me by.  So I’m writing.

It is so true that when you stop focusing on other “stuff” and let go of the stressors, a calm occurs.  So why do we feel so stressed?  Why do we consistently allow stress into our lives?  What should we do differently to get a different result?  Stop struggling and let go.  That phrase “let go and let God” is truly valid.  You may not have the same value system I have and may see spirituality through a different lens.  I connect God with spirituality and that’s my choice.  However, regardless of your take on spirituality, consider this, when you release and remove the focus from the stressors of life, the negativity and frustration and anger begins to dissipate.  The things that caused the problem(s) are still there, but they FEEL different.  When you shift your focus to positive things – God, spirit, peace, blessings, hope, truth, faith, love – the way the challenges feel shifts too.

So this is not to say that shifting your thoughts to positive things will make the negative go away, but it is to say that the shift in focus means a shift in you.  Shift happens when you allow it to.  I didn’t understand the concept of “praying without ceasing”.  When I heard it, I was like – well, THAT will never happen.  But as I continue on my spiritual journey, I have come to understand that praying without ceasing means, for me, to continue through the day to shift my focus to spirit, to peace, to love, to joy, to happiness, to the beauty in the people at work, to the benefit that doing my best at work does for my customers (internal and external), and my day improves.

So when you shift your focus to your Creator, the One who knows you – the person you are at your core, your days will be better.  You will address challenges better.  Focus on God, and the rest is gravy.