Where Focus Goes, Reality Unfolds

Where Focus Goes, Reality Unfolds

I’ve heard for years the saying that we create our own reality, that what we focus on is where our energy flows. Optimists see the good, pessimists see the bad — but after decades of hearing these phrases, reading them in countless books, and reflecting deeply, I’ve finally realized just how true they are: where focus goes, reality unfolds.

We are both human beings and spiritual beings. When we forget this truth, we live out of balance. Too often, we let the flesh — our temporary vehicle — take the lead, when in reality it’s the spirit that should be driving. The body is mortal, but the spirit is eternal. Expecting the flesh to give us ultimate direction is like asking our car to think for us.

Think about artificial intelligence. At its core, AI isn’t thinking — it’s processing data, scanning information, and making statistical judgments. Useful, yes, but not truly aware. In the same way, our human mind works like a super-powered search engine. It draws on every experience, every judgment, every memory we’ve ever stored — even ones we aren’t conscious of. Then it produces an answer, often simplifying things into black or white, good or bad.

That’s powerful, but it isn’t the full truth. Like AI, the mind is an incredible tool, but there are moments when it should not be in control. The spirit — who we truly are — must take the wheel.

Life constantly presents us with events the mind labels as negative. A setback. A loss. A heartbreak. But from a spiritual perspective, I believe every event is part of the greater good, even when the flesh cannot understand it. The mind demands reasons and categories; the spirit trusts in purpose.

Look back at your own life. Think of the hardest moments you’ve endured. Did they not shape you? Did they not make you stronger, wiser, more compassionate? I often reflect on the loss of my father when I was very young. At the time, it felt like pure devastation. Yet, without that experience, I know I would not be the father I am today. Losing him gave me a deep understanding of the importance of fatherhood — so much so that I committed myself to being intentional, consistent, and loving in ways I might not have been otherwise.

This doesn’t mean we need to understand every event. Understanding belongs to the mind, and the mind wants to reduce everything to “good” or “bad.” But life is more expansive than that. Life, in its fullness, is always working for the greater good.

So where does focus come in? Quite simply: it shapes how reality unfolds for us. If we focus on pain, unfairness, and despair, we fuel sadness, anger, and hopelessness — and those feelings ripple out, touching everyone around us. But if we choose to focus on growth, opportunity, and lessons hidden within the struggle, we ignite inspiration. We keep our spirits high. We spread hope to those near us.

Where focus goes, reality unfolds. It can unfold into suffering or into blessing, into hell on earth or heaven on earth. The difference is in what we choose to magnify with our attention.

The beauty is this: you are not powerless. You hold dominion over your focus. And where you place that focus will shape the reality you live.