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Where Is Your Focus?

1/1/2013

4 Comments

 
Picture
"Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you." ~ Oprah Winfrey 

So I had a great New Year's Eve.  That makes two years in a row that I've smiled and celebrated a New Year.  

But all day yesterday, I couldn't help but notice a lot of people posting on the social media sites about how they wanted 2013 to hurry up and get here.  I learned something 2 years ago...

In 2011 I lost my best friend, thought at some point I'd be living out of my car with my husband and 2 cats (talk about cramped), and lost my father-in-law.  I kept saying I can't wait for 2012...this year sucked! But, my career coach and friend, Doug Shapiro, sent an email to all his friends about his successes in 2011 and I thought what better way to enter into a new year than with positive thoughts about the year ending.

So I set out to make a list of successes.  And lo and behold I did it.  Some were small things like my parents getting remarried. Ok, so that was pretty big...AND AWESOME!  Once I wrote one down more came to me.  I did an off-Broadway show, 2 NYC showcases, a  beautiful concert in Queens of Civil War music, 6 months of continued work in theater, started a business, and met amazing people, and had the most amazing husband by my side through it al.  So during a year when I thought my world was ending because I was focusing on all the sad and depressing things wasn't so bad once I shifted my focus.

So, I challenge all of you to sit back and focus on the good that came out of 2012 to help you look ahead at 2013 with positive love and light.


In 2012...
  • My business flourished and expanded exponentially thanks to my friends, family, and business relationships.
  • I made my Broadway debut! 
  • I have been able to continue my personal acting career while running my business.
  • Raised money for early literacy, domestic violence and abuse, and relay for life.
  • Doubled our roster of Cabaret singers.
  • Performed in my first local theater show since 2008.
  • Paid off my car!
  • Went on a vacation with my husband.  First vacation together since 2008 (our honeymoon).
  • Ran my first 5K
  • Participated in Relay for Life.
  • Produced my first full-length musical with 6 amazing actresses and incredible staff.
  • Participated in a number of community events.
  • Gave away $350 in scholarships to local high school vocalists.
  • Celebrated my 4th wedding anniversary with the most supportive husband.



I look at that list (and there IS more) and I smile.  When I chose to redirect my focus at the end of 2011 it gave me the energy and belief system that I COULD DO ANYTHING in 2012.  And I did! 


Instead of dwelling on those who wrong us, hurt us, use us, etc. focus on the people who DO NOT!  When you focus on the people and things that help lift and raise us we can then, in turn, lift and raise others and help positive things happen.  And that's the kind of world I choose to live in.  


Happy New Year!  Let's FOCUS on a great 2013!


Kirsten Rani Almeida
Founder/President
Star of the Day Event Productions






4 Comments
Laurey Brown
1/1/2013 12:43:55 am

Kirsten ... I love this :)
I am going to sit down and make my list and change my focus on positive and living my life to the fullest with my boys,family, and friends !!
I know we do not know each other well, but what I know about you is that you are AMAZING in more ways than one !!! :) Happy New Year <3

Reply
Danielle
1/1/2013 01:51:46 am

This is very well said and so important. My focus was on that I met the love of my life and just that alone has lifted me out of some very dark places I was in. I did a lot of 'people evicting' from my life which is not easy but necessary in order to make more room for the people that lift me up as you said. I am grateful to have someone like you who's thoughts and attitude keep me encouraged on a daily basis. I learned too that the way you live your life is a choice only YOU can make....and I too choose to live my life in a positive way. =0) Thanks for sharing this with us!

Reply
Robin link
1/3/2013 12:27:57 am

Kirsten, I celebrate this positive approach as a springboard into 2013! I have enjoyed watching you achieve success through the Spotlight Cabaret!

A favorite quote that helped shape my perspective through some challenging times in recent years: :Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It is about learning to dance in the rain.

Another quote, attributed to Wayne Dyer, that resonates for me:

When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.

Here's to making wonderful memories in 2013, to moving forward in our lives and to taking positive action that makes a difference in the world.

Cheers!
Robin

Reply
Cindi Greatsinger
7/10/2013 02:53:21 am

What a beautiful and true article! I lost my brother to pneumonia a few years ago and the worst thing was he took his last breath on one of the days that I was performing. Thank God I had spoken to him the week before and told him how much I loved him!! My sister has recently been diagnosed with MS and I've also had to place my mother in a nursing home. My world's been spinning out of control so I've started focusing on the little things that are right in my life and as I've done that more positive things have started coming my way. I try to spend time with positive people instead of negative ones. So to make a long story short, the shift in focus makes all the difference in the world!




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    Contributing bloggers:
    Kirsten Rani Almeida
    Vanessa Ruggiero

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