One might say that I am in the zone or maybe that I have tunnel vision.  I have this habit of focusing on the task at hand to the point of being somewhat oblivious to other things around me.  Sometimes this can be a huge asset and other times it can be rather embarrassing.  

I find it rather humiliating when my tunnel vision takes over and I don’t see or acknowledge people that I know when I am out and about running errands.  Partially at fault is the fact that my corrective eye surgery is wearing off.  But more often than not, I am focused on my current task.

Early in my career while running a design studio in New York City a new employee asked me if I would like to join her for dinner and try some African cuisine.  After work, we took the subway to the restaurant.  The food was amazing and I enjoyed getting to know her.

We walked out of the restaurant, she looked at me and said, “How could you not feel out of place in there?”  I said, “I don’t understand, what do you mean?”  She continued to tell me that I was the only white person in the place, not only that but a blond-haired, blue-eyed white female.  Noticing the environment I was in was not in my plan.  I was focused on the task at hand.  I had no clue I was the only white person in the restaurant.  

It was the first day of my job in Boston.  I walked in and there was a party going on for someone who was retiring.  I didn’t know anyone there, so my focus was on meeting my new co-workers.  Most of the tables were full, but I did see one open seat.  I went over and asked if the seat was open, and immediately the conversation stopped.  It wasn’t that the conversation just stopped, it was the look on their faces.  They looked at each other reluctantly, then with very beautiful thick accents said, “Sure, sit.”

I quickly realized that I just sat down at a table where everyone was speaking Italian.  Not only were they speaking Italian, but they were all men.  Allowing me to join their table required them to now speak English and to change their conversation.  After a few awkward moments, I soon realized I had chosen the best table at the party and made some lifelong friends.  My focus was on meeting people, I saw an open seat and began my journey.    

Our focus is not always clear.  Sometimes we look around and get off track.  We look to our left and our right and forget our original focus.  Although it is nice to see all the beauty around us, it is also important to know when to center your attention and focus on the task at hand.

I rely on my faith and prayer to guide me to what is most important at any given time. I pray that I will be directed to those in need, but that I will also be able to tunnel my vision and stay focused on the task at hand when appropriate.  I pray for guidance regarding my tunnel vision.    Most importantly I pray that I will not miss an opportunity to lend a helping hand.  

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