Where you focus your attention affects how you feel

You’re hungry and somehow you find yourself standing before an incredible buffet containing countless tasty morsels.

Have you ever been there? If you have, you know how tempting it can be. Perhaps some part of you wants to eat as much as possible; after all, you paid for it. But then you reason with yourself. You feel a secret relief in remembering that most buffet spreads now invite you to eat “all you care to eat,” instead of the “all you can eat” guideline of old.

As scrumptious as many of the dishes appear to you, there are some that you dislike, possibly detest. Let’s say they are green bean casserole, corn chowder and vanilla pudding. These are three of 45 total offerings.

You could go a few ways in this scenario. You simply could ignore what doesn’t appeal to you. You could complain to your friends about the items you find disgusting. Maybe you stare in disbelief at people who like those particular foods.

Life can mimic a buffet, can’t it? You have preferences. So do others. There are pursuits that appeal to you and some you’d rather not pursue. Similarly, you likely notice people or groups that you enjoy and others that you don’t care for. Where are you focusing your time and attention — on what you prefer or what you dislike?

Where you focus your attention affects how you feel. This occurs at the mental, emotional and physical levels.

If you are continually grumbling, ruminating and resentful on any topic, you’ll more than likely end up not feeling well.

That’s because you’ve been consuming negativity and aversiveness.

But what if, on the other hand, you were complimenting others, thankful for what is going well for you and reflecting on more positives?

Then you’d be consuming generosity, gratitude and optimism. How would you like to approach this buffet called life?

Your approach to life’s buffet is profound.