Each day we become what we focus on.
Please discuss. How does this play out in life?
I’ll start us out. We usually have a thought or two, or maybe even a period of pondering, after we wake and before we get out of bed. Each day’s thought is likely different. “Damn! I’m running late.” Isn’t the sunlight glorious.” “I’m not looking forward to [fill in the blank].” “I don’t feel so good.” “I’m so excited. I can hardly wait to get started.”
Particularly if we ruminate on our initial thought, it makes an impression on us for the rest of the day. If we’re stoked about an upcoming event, we carry that enthusiasm into the all the day’s activities. A first-of-the-day fearful thought imbues the balance of the day’s experiences with dread.
The first thing we think of sets the tone for the day by setting off a chain of similar thoughts. These successive thoughts affect our perception, dictating how we take in the day’s events and interactions. So our initial waking thought establishes our mood for that day.
Today’s message reminds me to pay careful attention to my first thought of each day. If it’s positive, I’ll want to expand on it to reinforce its healthy momentum. I can cancel out a negative initial thought with a positive one around the same topic, which I’ll then want to boost by expanding on it. My initial daily thoughts are powerful and I can benefit by curating them carefully.
How about you? Do you pay attention to your first thought of the day?