Year Of Focus: Week 7 - Notice

“The more you notice, the more alive you become.” – Unknown 

The Year of Focus:  Week Seven

Word of the week: Notice

(1)  Notice - verb 

1. to perceive; become aware of:

Have you ever mentioned a car you like and then suddenly you notice them everywhere? I am reminded of that when I want to change something in my life. Once I pay attention to something I become aware of the many avenues I can pursue. I consider those reminders as the opportunities to pay attention, to notice a new direction or goal that is nudging you forward.

My disconnecting from social media in January came to me when I noticed the alarming amount of time spent on my phone. I knew with my busy day, I no longer wanted so much time spent online and decided to change. I needed to notice and define the social side of catching up that blending into the habitual time scrolling. With limited hours in a day, I want to live more of my life instead of watching others live theirs. 

As I thought about what I missed most in my free time, I decided to make a list. By noticing what I was doing with my time and wishing for the occasion to write, paint or create, I made a plan. By removing unnecessary interruptions from apps that are meant to distract, I noticed the habit of reaching for my phone. To uncover change, we must first pay attention to how our time is spent.