Focal Points
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As I move towards the life I want, which at different moments feels like sprinting in an open field on a cool and breezy day, or arranging books on shelves one after another after another, or sighing at the sight of a tall brick wall (which might simply topple over the moment I dare to press against it), I am fascinated by the power of directing my attention. By choosing where to focus I can put myself in a state of confidence or despair or excitement. There's that saying about how you can't escape yourself: Wherever you go, there you are. My version would change one word: Wherever you focus, there you are. The failures don't have to be anything more than interesting lore. As long as I'm participating in the conversation about my life through intentional actions, I will get feedback. What a gift! Focus is by no means a solo game. We are always communicating to others what parts of ourselves to focus on. I spent time with a group somewhat distant from my usual social circles, and I told them about one specific half of my career pursuits: the half that is most similar to their careers, that half that told them that I belong and that I won't disrupt what they have going on. But that's just a story I chose to focus on. How could I know what would happen if I were to tell them about the other half? Focusing on something as opposed to avoiding it is one way of knowing what is true. I don't have to punish myself for a truth that I would rather not be true. Instead, I can focus on it without judgment and be grateful to have a better understanding of my current reality. Right now, I am afraid of people yelling at me as a consequence of me pursuing the life I want, and that's okay. What have you been focusing on lately? What would you like to focus on more? |
@strangestloop
My theme for 2026 is grow. I've chosen the verb form over the noun form, growth, as a reminder to myself that growing as a person is the result of actions and decisions, it's an active process. May I grow with everything I pursue next year. Some values that sit underneath this theme for me are service and reciprocity. The more I grow, the bigger I am, the greater capacity I have, the more I can give to others. The rhythm of giving and receiving is meaningful to me, and I can better...
Baba Is You is a puzzle game where word order matters. Rules can be changed - and usually must be changed - in order to win a level. Here's an example that shows the importance of word order: Baba Is You, Wall Is Stop The level's initial ruleset gives it standard puzzle game rules: You are the character (Baba), the win area is over there, obstacles are in the way. However, we can manipulate the Wall Is Stop rule by breaking the sequence of words, so that the walls no longer stop the...
Everything good in life is the result of collaboration. Art is created and experienced. Products are bought and sold. Ideas are given and received. Therefore it is wise to hold a conscious intention to maximize your chances to meet your collaborators. You meet your collaborators by introducing yourself. This can happen on a walk at the park, in line for the bathroom, by posting that interesting idea online. Once you give someone something to engage with, you both get to look for similarities...