Focus on what is mine to do

“Focus on what is mine to do.”Tomar Levine

Your Time to Bloom: Tomar Levine has a gracious online home at this link. Her voice is gentle and her toolbox is extensive. It’s especially yummy for those with creative yearnings who feel they haven’t lived into their fullness — yet.

Tomar and I have been in online classes together here and there over the years. We share a passion for learning and maybe a bit of reticence in “putting ourselves out there.”

In an email note that followed up a recent phone conversation the other day, she said this. “Focus on what is mine to do.” How timely. That’s exactly where I am too.  Julia Cameron in The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity talks about “just showing up on the page.” That, I realize, is part of what is mine to do.  (Hence how good for me is this blog challenge!)

I’ve latched onto Tomar’s simple phrase that is so rich in reverberations. It sounds more grounded and less grandiose than “Owning Your Greatness.” But it tills much the same ground.

Both frame a way of Being that taps into life purpose, into the reason why we are here. They speak to the ongoing process of giving our gifts, of manifesting and embodying the service we are here to do with the people we are meant to help, the contribution that our creation is meant to make.

Whether you approach it in a matter-of-fact way (“Focus on what is mine to do.”) or in an expansive and out-there “Owning Your Greatness” sort of way, the bottom line is to  generate from the root of our Being the tasks of Doing in the world. Being comes first, the foundation. Then the doing, the action.

By doing the doing, by taking the action, even imperfect action, we create shifts. We make things happen. It’s time to pull back the curtain of reticence. The proponents who advise listening to the still small voice speak perhaps more softly than some others. That doesn’t mean the message is any less important than the ones who “shout.”

In fact, you might consider that the opposite is true. I acknowledge Tomar for the inspiration that started this post.  And thanks also for this 30 Day Blog Challenge. It  is helping me show up, take action, be on the page, as I  build the bridge for myself and my tribe.

Author: Bobbye

Bobbye Middendorf, MA, partners with evolutionaries as mystic-catalyst, healer, and poet -- evoking experiences of hope, self-grounding, self-trust, resilience, and joy. Spoken Word Alchemy opens portals for Yin Arising via mentoring; she offers inner wisdom guidance and word altars. With WayMakers, this award-winning wordsmith regenerates their clarity and expansive expression to live life as a work of art.

11 thoughts on “Focus on what is mine to do”

  1. Bobbye, I am so honored to have been the inspiration for this marvelous blog post. Your voice is rich and nuanced, and I love your depth.

    I particularly love: “… the bottom line is to generate from the root of our Being the tasks of Doing in the world. Being comes first, the foundation. Then the doing, the action.
    By doing the doing, by taking the action, even imperfect action, we create shifts.”

    I’ve been impressed by the huge return that even modest and imperfect actions can lead to. We’re stirring the pot, moving the energies around us and in us when we finally take that step forward, especially if it’s not so easy for us (especially for us reticent ones).

    When I said that, about wanting to focus on what’s mine to do, I think I meant it almost as a prayer – that I may be able to hold steady to my own purpose, my own gift, my own tasks – on what I am here to do. I sometimes feel I need blinders to keep from being continually pulled off course by all the distractions and attractions out there. Steady focus is not easy. Yet – life is short. So let’s all keep reminding each other.

    Thank you for doing your part.

    1. Tomar, Thank you for the tweets and for your thoughtful response. I know that you’re getting ready for your trip. Hope it’s a good one. Actions do indeed show the universe that we are doing our part, and we’re usually met more than halfway. It’s an ongoing challenge not to be dazzled by the distractions, but that is indeed what is ours to do–to somehow stay focused and true to our heart’s purpose. I wish you all the best in your endeavors and travels. Talk to you soon.
      ~B

  2. Bobbye,

    This blogging challenge was just made for you. What better way for us to sample your work, your voice and style. It is an opportunity that stretches us out of our comfort zones into our own unique greatness. Thanks for entering this challenge and allowing me to see the greatness that you have to share.

    All the best,
    Kevin

    1. Kevin, Thank you for the kind words. You are doing a lot out there in owning your greatness! I think you’re right, the greatness comes just past the edge of the comfort zones. Great insights! Thanks for sharing.
      ~B

  3. Kind of takes a load off your mind when all you HAVE to do is only your own portion, not anyone else’s. What is yours to do, is doable or it wouldn’t be “yours.”

    There are two sides to this, though — people who are doing what is theirs to do, and people who pretend they are but don’t. If you commit to being who you are, you have to actually show up and take the actions. Showing up is more than half of it — so, since you’re already there, why not put in the effort and make it a satisfying day?

    Just some additional thoughts. Thanks for a great post!

    Nancy

    1. Nancy, You are absolutely right! Showing up is a good bit of it. But showing up just for show doesn’t cut it any more. As I mentioned in reply to Terrie, it’s conscious choices around our actions that really make a difference — where the rubber meets the road so to speak. The actions are what makes the showing up really effective! Thanks for the additional thoughts. I appreciate your insights and your stopping by to leave a comment.
      ~B

  4. Bobbye, thanks for mentioning Julia Cameron again and giving the link to Tomar Levine. Your post hits home because the one thing I’ve become much more aware of in the past 6+ weeks is that whatever I do is what I choose – I am responsible for it. but that choice has given me such freedom because I can make any choice I want to and that’s very similar to what you’re talking about today in owning my own greatness and also i have chosen to focus on what is mine to do. So, I appreciate the timely posting and am very glad you’re in this challenge too.
    Terrie

    1. Terrie, Julia Cameron got a bit of play yesterday in the #blog30 challenge! Making conscious choices is the absolute key to focus that is truly effective. So grateful you are in the circle! Your insights always brighten things up.
      ~B

  5. “If you cannot be a poet, be the poem.” ~David Carradine

    Simply show up, Bobbye. Focus on what is yours to do, and be on the page. You may not be shouting your vision and your message, but you’re here …

    and you’re heard.

    Melanie
    #blog30

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