What's on Your Mind?

As part of Making the Most of Turning Fifty, I've been doing a lot of thinking lately.  I've been contemplating what's important and how I want to live my life.  

Part of this process has got me thinking about thinking itself. Specifically, I've asked myself what I spend time thinking about -- what occupies my mind during the day?

When I answered candidly, I was horrified to realize I spend the vast majority of my time thinking about 'to do's' and trivialities -- rather than contemplating writing ideas or jewelry designs or world events or art history or the meaning of life or dozens of other, more substantial topics. 

At first, I didn't believe it so I spent a few days paying attention to whatever was on my mind. The sad reality was that that few great weighty topics drifted across my consciousness.  Shockingly little occupied my mind, other than the day's 'to do's'.  Little thought was spent on The Big Picture.  Minimal brainstorming about cool creative projects. 

"I'm wasting my brain," I concluded.  "I'm frittering away my life, futzing over inconsequential matters."  I felt ashamed...and highly motivated to change the situation.  Which brought me to an important question:  What would I like to be thinking about?  On what would I prefer to be spending my mental energy? 

What a big impact this small shift in focus can have.  By asking myself this question daily, I'm delighted to report that I'm spending much more time contemplating topics that are important to me.

***

Quick!  What are you thinking about? What's on your mind right now?  

More importantly -- what would you like to be thinking about? On what would you prefer to be spending your mental energy?

 I'd love to hear your thoughts -- message me or leave a comment in the section below.