How shifting my focus transformed a challenging situation
By Suliah Lawal
Life has a remarkable way of teaching us lessons, often when we least expect them.
I would like to share one of the most eye-opening experiences I have had—a story that has helped me appreciate the transformative power of mindset.
For some time, one of my relatives began visiting my home more frequently. At first, I was more than happy to host her. I offered my best company, treated her to delicious meals, and showered her with gifts, hoping to make her stay as enjoyable as possible.
I was delighted to welcome her and create an atmosphere of warmth and love in my home. However, over time, something began to change.
She started visiting with very little notice or, at times, none at all. Her stays grew longer, and she seemed to take everything for granted.
Without realising it, I had become her go-to person for comfort and convenience. Her visits left my home in disarray, and I found myself feeling overwhelmed and frustrated by the constant mess and disruption. It was exhausting, and what once felt like a joy now felt like a burden.
As I struggled with this, I stumbled upon The Secret, a film about the Law of Attraction and the power of positive thinking.
The idea that our thoughts shape our reality struck me like a lightning bolt. I realised that, instead of focusing on what I did not want—feeling taken for granted, overwhelmed, and frustrated—I needed to shift my mindset. I had to prioritise what truly mattered to me, focusing on things that brought me joy and peace.
At first, nothing seemed to change. I kept my feelings of frustration to myself, choosing not to complain or express my discomfort. Instead, I took action by redirecting my thoughts and energy.
I began prioritising my own happiness, engaging in activities I loved, and letting go of the resentment that had been building inside me.
Weeks passed, and little by little, I noticed a subtle shift. My relative, who had once been a frequent guest, became increasingly occupied with her own life and responsibilities. Her visits, which had once felt like an unavoidable part of my routine, became less frequent. Eventually, she postponed her trips altogether.
Looking back, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. The universe had quietly intervened, resolving the situation—not through confrontation, but through a simple shift in perspective.
I never had to raise my voice or express my frustration. I simply changed my energy, and things naturally began to realign in a way that was far more peaceful and effortless than I could have imagined.
This experience taught me something invaluable: sometimes, the key to changing your circumstances is not to change the people around you, but to change your own mindset. When you focus on what you can control—your thoughts and your energy—things begin to shift in your favour.
The universe, in its own way, will work things out when you let go of resistance and focus on what truly matters.
I am deeply grateful for this lesson and for the peace it has brought into my life. It serves as a reminder that we hold more power than we often realise. By choosing a positive outlook and directing our focus towards what we want, we can transform even the most challenging situations.
