At an early age I learned that I could use my imagination and be anywhere I wanted and I could be anyone I wanted to be. Since were were very poor this use of my mind allowed me to watch the caribou migrate in Alaska while my mother was scolding me for some small infraction, like not doing the dishes.
I had become so mentally focused that I could remember her grocery lists and it became my favorite game. I remember one day when mother said she needed a lot of things and must make a grocery list, I reminded her about my brilliant memory and promised I would not forget anything assuring her I was a master of recall. She went along with the game, gave me her coin purse and I headed down the street with my four-year old sister, Susie.
Super grocery stores were unheard of in Dallas, Texas back in the 50's. We did our shopping at Mr. Johnson's market, just 2 blocks down the street. My memory trick was a set of hooks I created to put things on and I was focusing on that while walking to the store. Once inside, like lightening speed, I got all the things mother asked for, dashed to the check out counter and paid Mr. Johnson, who had the nverve to ask me if I had forgotten anything and I assured him with a strong NO.
Walking home I imagined how pleased mother would be with me. On arrival, I prodly took each item out of the bag and repeated exactly what she had asked for. She was looing over my shoulder and listening to me and I saw her lean back to see into the other room and instead of my glowing accolades, she asked, "Where is your sister?" "My sister?" Those words are still ringing in my ears.
In a flash I was out the door and back at Mr. Johnsons to find my sister sitting on the counter with a nice candy bar and I had to deal with his "You never forget anything" comments.
That was the last time my mother let me take my sister anywhere. Who could blame her? I was totally focused on my goal, remembering the list and she was not on it.
Focus has been a mainstay in my life. With total focus you can make things happen. You can easily complete
your "to do list," visualize your future, and make your dreams become your reality. Just don't forget your sister!
you made me laugh, Carole. I often find myself frantically trying to focus on my shopping list, I mean, my documentary project, and so many times I find that I am also forgetting my sister, my daughter, my husband back in the store... :) Thanks for your inspiration always!
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