“The ability to focus attention on important things is a defining characteristic of intelligence.”

~Robert J. Shiller   

Today’s journal writing prompt seems pretty straightforward.  In a society where so many people seem to have multiple warning signs of ADHD, what do you think?  Is the ability to focus attention on important things a defining characteristic of intelligence?  If so, are you concerned about the future of our society in the age of our short-attention span media, get it now lifestyles?  Write about it in your journal.

Daily journal writing prompt bonus:  Quite often, I find myself not only focusing my attention on important things, but, also on not-so-important things.  It feels like, at times, “shiny objects” are much more interesting and attention grabbing for my mind than anything else.  Actually, not often, but, at times, I feel like my entire day is spent in a series of attention grabbing nothingness.  Now, I understand that the longer I allow myself to live a life as a professional artist, the closer I get to insanity (maybe this is just the warning signs!), however, I do know many people (who aren’t professional artists) who live the same way - with their dedicated, focussed attention moving from one thing to the next sequentially throughout the day.  Some of the people I’m thinking of are also quite intelligent.

So, I wonder, in your opinion, what do you think the sequential-focussed-attention on important and not-so-important things means.  Is it a defining characteristic of higher intelligence?  Or, is it insanity in the making?  Can you relate to this in your own life?  Write about it in your journal.

Happy Journaling!

“Before you contradict an old man, my fair friend, you should endeavor to understand him.”

~George Santayana

It’s not uncommon, in our society, to (at least occasionally)  quit listening to opposing viewpoints - no matter who’s view it is - in defense of our own views.  What seems to be quite uncommon (at times) is to take a moment to attempt understanding of the other viewpoint, before we stop listening or start defending.  In your journal, consider today’s quote.  Do you find yourself contradicting others (whether they are older or younger than you) prior to endeavoring to understand the viewpoint?  Do you think this is a defensive move on your part or what do you suppose causes this reaction in your own life?

Daily journal writing prompt bonus:  In matters of politics & religion, this contradiction prior to the endeavor to understand seem to be quite rampant.  We tend to shut down when the other viewpoint is espoused, instead of really listening and endeavoring to understand before espousing our own views.  With this being a political “season” (okay, I know, I know, it’s come to a point where it’s more often a political season than not with campaigns growing longer and longer and our “downtime” between them shorter and shorter), I would like you to think about a recent political event, speech, debate, etc, where you had an opposing view to the candidate - and, instead of endeavoring to understand his or her position, you “tuned out”.  In your journal write about it.  Was this a “classic” issue or is it something that stems from more recent world events?  What is your viewpoint?  What was the candidates?  Is his or her viewpoint one that, in light of today’s quote, you should have explored further to endeavor to understand his or her views?

Happy Journaling!

“It is impossible to walk rapidly and be unhappy.”

~Dr. Howard Murphy

In your journal, consider today’s quote.  Do your experience with walking rapidly seem to confirm Dr. Murphy’s assertion?  What about walking rapidly due to lateness - what sort of effect does that have on your mood (if any)?  Do you make an effort to walk rapidly (or jog or run) daily?  If so, does it keep your mood elevated?  If not, why not & do you have some other activity to boost your “happy level”?  What is it?

Daily journal writing prompt bonus: I am the type of person who needs a “healthy dose” of cardiovascular work every single day - I know that it keeps my mood elevated & my creativity levels high (which is essential when one is an artist!). So, whether it’s walking (alone, in groups, or with the dogs), rollerblading (which, quite honestly, I don’t do often), running, or some sort of cardio type DVD or class, I get in at least 30 minutes to an hour every morning.  It’s like my daily happy pill.

I know that, for others, the happy pill comes in different forms - such as reading a bit or painting or sewing….What does your happy pill look like?  Describe it in your journal, along with what effects that activity has on your mood and what effect not taking that “happy pill” has on your mood (if any).

Happy Journaling!

“A ship in port is safe, but that’s not what ships are built for.”

~Grace Murray Hopper

In your journal, consider today’s quote in the framework of your life.  Sometimes, we are encouraged to play it safe - in work, in life.  However, we must weigh the security of that safety with what we were “built for” - our purpose.  Sacrificing our purpose to stay in port and be safe can be damaging to our minds, bodies, and spirits.  Do you feel like you are staying in the port of your life or are your actively pursuing what you were “built for”?  Explore this in your journal.

Daily journal writing prompt bonus:  At times, we may be staying in the port of life in some areas of our lives while actively pursuing what we are “built for” in other areas.  In your journal, take a good look at your life.  Write about 1)whether you are staying in the safety of the port in some areas but not others 2)The costs and benefits of doing so (make sure to include the non-tangibles in this) 3)If this is a state you consciously chose or whether you did it without realizing that you were doing it.

Happy Journaling!

“But pain… seems to me an insufficient reason not to embrace life.  Being dead is quite painless.  Pain, like time, is going to come on regardless.  Question is, what glorious moments can you win from life in addition to the pain?”

~ Lois McMaster Bujold

Today’s quote provoked some mixed feelings for me.  As someone who was diagnosed with a chronic, incurable illness years ago, and quite literally felt like guinea pig number one for my doctors, but, through the experience learned life lessons that changed me forever, this was bitter sweet.  On the other hand, as someone who has successfully implemented natural ways to keep my body healthy since the diagnosis, I was quite opposed to other parts of this quote.  So, if you feel yourself fighting with parts of today’s quote while agreeing with others (or vehemently opposing the whole thing), please bear with it….I believe this quote can provide everyone valuable self-insight.

If you’ve experienced intense pain - whether it be physical, mental, or spiritual, you know that it can be difficult to embrace life in the midst of it.  However, when we are in the midst of pain, the most valuable life lessons can be learned if we just embrace the circumstance and allow ourselves the opportunity to find those lessons.  What life lessons have you learned through pain (of any origin)?  Did you find it difficult to embrace life while dealing with pain?  Why or why not?  What do you suppose the author meant when she wrote about embracing life?  Write about this in your journal.

Journal writing prompt bonus:  For me, I do not believe that pain is going to come regardless.  I’ve known people who lived a life without pain, who took care of themselves - mind, body, and spirit, and refused to accept that pain was an inescapable aspect of life.  What do you think?  Is pain a mandatory part of life?  Are there ways to embrace life without experiencing pain?  How would one go about this?  Consider this in your journal….expanding on each point as necessary.

Happy Journaling!

P.S.  Did you know that the author of our prompts, Dee Phipps, is a finalist for the Al Marks Inventive Mind Small business grants and needs your vote?  Please visit her website, DeePhipps.com, read more about the Al Marks Inventive Mind Small Business grant and vote before August 11th at midnight, pacific!

“Difficulties are meant to rouse, not discourage.  The human spirit is to grow strong by conflict.”

~William Ellery Channing

In your journal, write about a recent difficult that arose.  Did it rouse your spirit or did it discourage you?  Why or why not?

Daily journal writing prompt bonus:  I know with some difficulties, particularly when they are out of your control, are quite discouraging.  I experienced a situation like that recently - it was completely out of my hands…leaving me with a helpless, frustrated, and, yes, discouraged feeling.  However, that same situation did make my spirit stronger, and taught me some life-lessons that will stay with me and help me avoid a similar situation in the future.  Have you faced a situation like that recently?  What was the life lesson you learned?  How do you feel you grew due to that situation?

Happy Journaling!

“The secret of happiness is not in what one likes to do, but, in what one has to do.”

~ James M. Barrie

In your journal, explore today’s quote. What do you think James Barrie means when he says that the secret of happiness is is in what one has to do? Do you think it has something to do with finding joy in those daily necessary tasks? Or, is it about choices - choosing the have-to-do’s wisely? All of us have some similar have-to-do’s… Laundry, house work, cooking, etc… How do you find happiness in the daily mundane tasks? Take some time to fully explore this in your journal.

Daily journal writing prompt bonus: I am a huge proponent of choosing your occupation according to what you are passionate about. I know this flies in the face of some advice given by money-making gurus (who claim that it doesn’t matter what you do - even if you hate it or have no interest - as long as you make lots & lots of money), but, I really believe this is one area of your life in which you can exercise some control and thus create a more harmonic and happy life.

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