To stay on course, keep emphasis on what’s important

Frequently, results are based on how you focus your mind and what you emphasize. Look at the following sentence. I never said they stole my belongings. Simple, straightforward sentence, right? It depends on how you read it. Read that sentence seven more times but each time place your emphasis on a different word beginning with the word I. It makes a difference in the interpretation, doesn’t it?

You are probably aware of this in language. How you stress a syllable in a word may result in a different meaning.

Take the English word contract. If you stress the first syllable, you imply an agreement. If you emphasize the second syllable you indicate an action of pulling in. You have the same word but with different meanings, hinging completely on your pronunciation.

What are you emphasizing these days? Are you caught up in what’s wrong in the world, stuck in polarity and extremism, or focused primarily on the stress in your life? Are there other ways to look at what you are experiencing? Perception is based on your mental and emotional filter.

How are you feeling in general? Would you say for the most part you feel reasonably happy, bitter, or somewhere in-between?

If you find yourself discouraged by what is happening in your life, take an honest look at how you’re interpreting people and events. Is your emphasis on being harsh with yourself or others? In conversations with friends or even strangers, are you quick to point out negatives?

Or are you the one who tends to bring a lighter, more encouraging spirit to others?

If you struggle with negativity, here’s a suggestion: go on a complaint diet.

That’s right. Commit to ignoring and not verbalizing complaints for the next week. Are you up for it? Instead, only emphasize what is positive with you and the world for seven days.

We almost guarantee you and those around you will feel much better.

Joyful Daily is a regular column that offers ideas for improving mindfulness and actively seeking joy every day. The column publishes weekdays online and Mondays through Thursdays and Saturdays in the Living section. Angela Buttimer and Dennis Buttimer are psychology experts and the founders of Atlanta Center for Mindfulness and Well-Being. Learn more about their work at pathtobestself.com. Send questions or comments about Joyful Daily to joyfuldailyajc@gmail.com.