It seems that life for many is starting to get back to some sort of normality but also demands on our time are now increased as we enter back into the world. For me, we have finally settled my MIL’s Estate which took up most of 2021, we are considering moving and my week consists of taking Group Fitness Sessions, being on Nan duty, Running with my friend, Online Book Club meetings and enjoying (or trying to) life with Mr M. Life is definitely busy!
When I’m too busy I can feel life spinning out of control at times, so for April I decided to challenge myself to bring calm and some perspective back by taking time to focus on the moment each day – my 30 day Focus on the Moment Challenge.
Each day I’ve been posting to social media what my focus has been. It is surprising how during the challenge so far, I’ve developed my idea of what focus and moments can be. Usually when we think of focusing on the moment it is to stop and breathe or just ‘BE’ (my WOTY) in the moment but I’ve expanded my thinking to incorporate some form of focus in all areas of my life.
Here are my first 10 days of the challenge and I hope that you will take some inspiration to find your own focus each day.
Day 1 – Focus on living well and enjoying life
It’s Saturday a day to LIVE WELL and ENJOY LIFE. Each Saturday I usually drive one hour to Brisbane run with my friend and drive home. It takes about 4 hours out of my Saturday but I love the social connection and of course the exercise for my mind and body. This week we aren’t running which means I have gained an extra few hours in my day. What will I do with those???? Any suggestions?
Day 2 – Making room for peaceful moments
Day 3 – Focus on my relationship
Enjoyed a Sunday lunch date with my darling. We have been busy lately so it was wonderful to stop, enjoying the moment spending time together and enjoying the delicious meal.My choice was the ‘Lovely Italy’ salad – chicken,quinoa, cos lettuce, cherry tomatoes, avocado,feta, toasted pumpkin seeds with balsamic and oil dressing. Mr M selected the Carbonara. Both were excellent choices. Walking home we indulged in an ice cream. Can you guess my choice?
Day 4 – A new week with new beginnings
It’s a new week with new possibilities 
Happy Monday on this glorious morning on the Gold Coast. I’m taking time to focus on this beautiful sunrise and appreciate the beauty of nature.
Day 5 – Time to focus on the beauty of nature
The bird of paradise is such a bright and flamboyant flower. Nature is amazing. Focus on nature to bring joy and calm. Can you see the bird in flight?
Day 6 – Focus on letting go of all that robs you of joy.
Too often we
take on more than we need to
feel guilty saying ‘no’
feel guilty creating boundaries
hold onto toxic relationships
self sabotage
BUT by having the courage to LET GO of all that is not bringing joy, happiness and allowing us to live life our way we are only hurting ourselves.Focus on what brings joy.
Day 7 Focus on your Passion
I love my podcast yet I was nervous and full of self doubt to press the GO LIVE button!I’m now 3 seasons in and living every minute. I meet women from all over the world who are sharing their stories and thoughts on life after 50.Have you listened to the Women Living Well After 50 Podcast? In this image, I’m about to interview another fabulous woman over 50 living life her way. Catch up on all 3 seasons on your favourite podcast channel.
Day 8- Focus on Morning & Evening Stretching to be flexible in body and calm in mind
Do you take the time to stretch daily? Stretching to keep our bodies flexible is something we don’t give priority to. We do our workouts for strength and cardio but don’t stretch as often as we should. I’ve put together a short video with some gentle stretches which you can do morning and evening. If you have aches in your lower back in particular these stretches will help.
PLEASE NOTE BEFORE YOU START– always check with your Doctor before starting any new form of exercise especially if you have not exercised for some time. – take each stretch slowly until you feel resistance but STOP if you feel pain- ideally hold for 20 seconds- use a mat or cushion to protect your knees- remember to breathe into the stretch- take time at the end to focus your mind on being in the moment, feeling calm.Let me know if you do your stretching
Day 9 – Focus in the Kitchen – Baking can be therapeutic
Baking is a fun and relaxing way to focus on the moment plus it has delicious results (most of the time 
)Afternoon tea anyone? Banana bread @donna.hay recipe yum!
Day 10 Focus on REST, RECOVERY and RECHARGING
It’s Sunday morning here on the Gold Coast. I’ve had a busy week with Mr M in hospital for three nights for routine tests (he is home now and all ok), being on Nan duty and spending time and having adventures with my grandsons plus taking sessions in the Strong Healthy Women Community Virtual Studio. So…..This morning I actually slept in and am enjoying an easy start to my day.
I love being active but my mind and body also need time to rest, recover and recharge.How will you incorporate the 3R’s, in your day today?? Share with me…REST RECOVER RECHARGE because that’s all part of being a Woman Living Well.
Well that’s my first 10 days of the 30 day challenge. I hope that you feel inspired to explore how you can focus on the moment each day. I’d love to hear your ideas to add to my list.
I’m joining Denyse Whelan for her fortnightly Life Stories Link Up
18 Comments
i’m going to do your daily stretches this morning! And is that pistachio? I love pistachio (and hazelnut). Lovely post and it is good to grab quiet moments of calm when frantically busy! #LifeStories
Hi Lydia, I hope you enjoy the stretches. I always feel good after a long slow stretch! x
Really good guidance, Sue – I have a tendency to keep getting stressed, focusing on the next thing or things rather that the present. Toni x
I do too, Toni however doing the challenge helps me to stop for at least a moment or two and really focus on the moment. Take care xx
What a great challenge Sue! As I’m now part-time carer for Mum (I’m over staying with her every second week). I’ve needed to calm my mind a lot and I’ve found doing yoga and pilates in the mornings has really helped with that. It’s my time for me every single day and I can’t explain just how much I love it! It’s the most lovely way to start my days. Hope you have a wonderful week with lots of calm and peaceful moments. xo
Hi Min, I needed to have some focus on the moment as we have a few major changes that may happen in the short term and it can be so easy to get caught up in the ‘worries’ or ‘responsibilities’ of daily life. I do hope your Mum is okay and it is challenging being a carer. Starting your day with yoga and pilates will really help as would your artwork which is beautiful and must bring so much satisfaction to you. Take care xx
Well done, Sue! Your focus for each of the ten days so far is right on. I’m sure you’ll ace the rest of the challenge. I usually do my fitness activities in the morning and relax in the afternoon. I also have one day per week with nothing planned to rest, recover and recharge. Have a great week! #LifesStories
Thanks Natalie, I need a focus challenge at the moment. Like you I prefer fitness in the morning and reading in the afternoons although some days relaxation is hard to find with some major changes happening at the moment. It is all good though and I really enjoyed your Allan Gardens tour. Take care. x
Hi Sue – when life is as busy as yours is, you definitely need to make sure there’s some self-care and down time in the mix. It’s lovely to see you finding the perfect balance and sharing your ideas each day. I haven’t been volunteering this year and I’ve been tossing up whether I need to add something extra back into my week, but I’m not sure if it’s because I want to, or because I feel like I “should”…. I’m mulling it over atm and not rushing into anything. x
You will know when the time is right for you to start doing other things, Leanne. The challenge has been a good way for me to at least stop for a moment and focus on what I think brings joy for the day. x
Very inspiring, Sue! Focussing on the moment can be incredibly powerful!!
Thank you, Donna the challenge has helped me focus for a moment at least on more pleasant things in life. x
Great advice here as usual Sue. I’m staying calm and taking it easy at the moment due to the broken arm. Trying to find the positives in the enforced time out and not stress.
l did enjoy your first 10 days. My hardest hit area is the physical focus. I can’t do even the first stretch that you did because of my knee. In my next fitness post on WQW, I’m going to talk about overcoming obstacles, and that has definitely been one for me this year. I love how you are able to blend your life and go with the flow of being a grandma, traveling, dealing with hospital visits, and keeping a routine of stretching, reading, cooking, and all the many things you do as a blogger. You are a great example of how to BE.
Great to read and catch up with your news. I know that in busy-ness we can get caught up until…oops I think I need a break or a change of scene. We have a practice now, as best as we can, of doing ONLY one thing each day that relates to being out of the house…for doctors, shopping etc. It feels far less rushed. I am glad M got a good health report. Thank you so much for linking your blog post up for Life’s Stories my fortnightly blogging link up at Denyse Whelan Blogs.
I appreciate your support and continuing blogging connections and friendships.
I will be back with the next #LifesStories link up on Monday 25 April 2022.
Denyse.
Hi Denyse, I’m enjoying my Focus on the Moment daily posts it helps to keep me grounded. x
So many ways to focus in this post Sue, you are such an inspiring committed person! Thank you.
I’m enjoying thinking of ways to focus on the moment each day, Deb. Like the colour challenge once you start, there are moments everywhere!