Everyone has their happy place. A place where problems aren’t quite so large and things seem to fall into place.  Maybe it’s the positive energy or the quiet and serenity of alone time, but I think it also has something to do with the power of thought and focus.

You don’t have to look any further than the beach.  Yes the beach is all the above, but I’m talking about the Scottish version……  Exhibit A….golf.  Few activities are more frustrating, relaxing and require as much concentration, thought and focus as 18 holes in the sun. One of the reasons problems seem to vanish on the course is because that little white ball is the center of attention.  It’s almost impossible to think about problems and negativity when your mind is laser focused on the job at hand.

Have you ever had an ache or pain that seemed like the end of the world, but didn’t even notice the pain when you got caught up in a project?  Or, when a small chip in a tooth or filling feels like the Grand Canyon…..Things we focus on get magnified.

It’s really hard to hold two opposite thoughts in your brain at the same time.  Focus on the positive, and the negative slowly fades. However, pay attention to the negative and you soon have a giant monster taking up residence in your mind.  There are lots of ways to preoccupy your grey matter on the positive and not let the dark grey sky’s of negativity cloud your reality.  Start by focusing outward and helping someone, or doing an activity that requires full concentration. Preferably tie the two together and do some good in the world.

In the meantime, I know of 18 ways to find your inner bliss…… and the act of yelling “FORE” can clear cloudy minds real fast.