Distraction

The best way to divert attention!

Thanks to SinC (Clint){💎} for his note ⬇️that reminded me to post this article I wrote earlier.

We were taught to stay focused to achieve our goals. This is true when we make a plan and take appropriate steps toward it. If things don’t go as planned, we must learn to make adjustments.

Some people think that a setback is a failure. In my opinion, it is our attention that makes us dwell on the same thing over and over again. That’s why it is better to go to work in an office, go back home to rest, and meet friends for a meal somewhere.

Most people don’t realise that a change of environment is a magical distraction from our focus, especially when it comes to our emotional state.

Nowadays, there is a lot of talk about how we get too many distractions from social media. I agree with the part about doom scrolling and comparison. But if we are disciplined enough to keep it within a reasonable limit (time frame) and stop comparing ourselves with other people’s lives, it can be a good distraction. It all depends on the content we are watching or absorbing from the digital world.

People with depression spend too much time focusing on negative thoughts. The more we pay attention to those thoughts, the more we dwell on them, creating a vicious cycle until we feel unable to break free. Once we shift our focus, divert our attention from those thoughts, and distract ourselves with other activities, our mood changes and we become different.

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I often reflect on this: Why are we so happy doing the things we do?

Not everyone who does things that make others happy is a people pleaser. In fact, sometimes we simply do what makes us happy — with the by-product of making others happy too.

There is a type of people who love to solve problems. If it is a random act of kindness, we help within our capabilities. No doubt, helping others fills us with a sense of satisfaction. To be honest, there is also a hint of showcasing our ability for quick thinking and problem-solving skills. I find nothing wrong with that.

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Let me share an event…

On a flight home last year, I saw that another passenger was having trouble paying for his meal. The airline’s protocol for any in-flight purchase required payment by credit/debit card.

He had already finished his meal, but the only card he had wasn’t working. Both he and the flight crew were having a hard time figuring out a solution.

What would you do?

I observed the whole situation and immediately came up with an idea. I thought the easiest way to resolve it was a simple act from anyone with a card — the passenger could pay that person back in cash.

As the crew went to consult their superior, I offered my solution to the passenger and told him to inform them when they returned.

When the crew reappeared, he shared my plan with them. They hesitated and were understandably skeptical. They were cautious about any potential implications and needed to be careful. Nevertheless, they accepted my suggestion. They confirmed my willingness to help a stranger and ensured that he paid me the correct amount in cash (in their presence) before swiping my card.

Once the transaction was completed, everyone felt relieved, and seeing their frowns turn into smiles was priceless.

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Sharing an act of kindness and how we handle a situation shows the world that life is worth living. Most of the time, life is simpler than we “think” if we merely pause to look around.

In this world, many incidents, issues, and problems will arise — whether by nature, human error, or unforeseen circumstances. There is always an exit, a solution, and a way to fix things.

What we need is a method, someone willing to assist, the permission and acceptance of all parties involved. When all three conditions are fulfilled, resolution is guaranteed.

I told someone this story, and he asked me what hidden agenda I had in offering a helping hand to a stranger.

Well, I didn’t expect anything in return. It was just a meal. I was willing to treat him. It didn’t matter whether he paid me back. Yet, no stranger would accept such kindness with ease unless they truly had no way to repay it. Therefore, I didn’t offer to pay for his meal outright.

If there was any hidden agenda, it would be this — I hope that if the same thing happens to my loved ones one day, someone will offer help to them as well.

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Back to the topic of distraction.

I’ve noticed that many people use distractions to avoid facing themselves. While there is no absolute right or wrong way to do things, if we rely on substances or addictive behaviours to divert our attention from the issues we are supposed to resolve, then it becomes a form of escapism.

On the other hand, I think that diverting our attention toward a good cause or helping others, rather than lingering on negative thoughts, is a healthy way to shift our focus.

Too many people use the knowledge we gain from our experiences to judge our younger selves. The mindset we have now is different from what we had in the past, and it is the most unfair kind of punishment we can give ourselves.

If we can’t let go of the past, why not let the past stay in the past?

I shall end this post here and wish everyone a peaceful weekend ahead!🙏😇