Issue No. 87

After a long holiday, I am back again, folks. This time with more wisdom. Just a note, this series of newsletters will end after Issue No. 100. I will turn all of the issues into a book and publish it this year. Stay tuned.

What we pay attention to shapes how we see the world. It’s a simple truth, but one that can sneak up on us in big ways. Our focus has the power to turn a small worry into an overwhelming fear or transform a challenge into an opportunity. I’ve learned this firsthand, especially in moments when my own focus has been misplaced.

For instance, there are times when I get so caught up in worrying about the future that I completely lose sight of the present. When I’m anxious about where my life is going, it feels like my entire reality shrinks to that one question: “What if it all goes wrong?” In those moments, I forget that life isn’t happening tomorrow—it’s happening now. I miss the fact that I’m living, breathing, and surrounded by things that matter today. It’s like I’m looking at the world through a straw, obsessing over a tiny part of it while everything else blurs out of view.

I think we all do this in different ways. A student focuses so hard on getting perfect grades that they miss out on the friendships and fun that make school memorable. A parent might focus on providing for their family but lose sight of spending real quality time with them. When we zero in too tightly on one thing—whether it’s fear, a goal, or a problem—it can start to feel like that’s all there is.

But here’s the thing: focus can be a gift, too. It’s what helps athletes push through pain to finish the race. It’s what allows artists to pour their souls into their work and create something meaningful. And it’s what drives people to overcome challenges and keep moving forward when things get tough. Focus, when aimed in the right direction, can shape our reality into something better.

The challenge is knowing when to zoom out. For me, mindfulness has been a lifesaver in this area. When I catch myself spiraling into “what ifs” about the future, I pause and ask myself: What’s real right now? What can I actually control today? Shifting my focus to the present helps me see that the worst-case scenarios I’ve been imagining aren’t reality—they’re just thoughts. And when I anchor myself in the moment, I notice things I would have missed: the warmth of sunlight, a kind word from a friend, or the quiet satisfaction of completing something small but meaningful.

Gratitude also helps me refocus. When I start feeling overwhelmed, I try to name a few things I’m thankful for. Sometimes it’s big stuff, like having people who care about me, and other times it’s small, like the way my favorite song makes me feel. Either way, it reminds me that my life is more than my fears or my goals—it’s a mix of so many moments, both big and small.

At the end of the day, focus is powerful. It can trap you in your worries, or it can set you free. It can make you feel like your problems are everything, or it can help you realize how much good is still around you. The key is remembering that you’re the one holding the lens. You can zoom in when you need to, but don’t forget to step back and take in the whole picture. Reality is bigger—and often better—than we think.

Until next week,