NormsMilfordBlog

Famed director David Lynch died recently. In announcing his death, his family included one of his favorite sayings – “Keep your eye on the donut and not on the hole.”

I must admit that I never watched any of the movies or TV shows that Lynch directed; however, I find his advice in that little saying to be of value. Too many of us spend way too much time staring into the holes in life and not seeing and appreciating the donuts of life. Keep your eye on the donut and not on the hole.

One could start by just being happy to wake up to another day instead of starting the day by being miserable about something that happened yesterday. That was then, but you are in the now and that is something worth being happy about. Our memories are rooted in the past tense and reflect where you’ve already been. Today and tomorrow represent your future and allow you to think about where you might be. Memories of misfortune, losses, or mistakes evoke regret or remorse. Those are the donut holes of life. Keep your eye on the donut and not on the hole.

There are those who see the donut the wrong way and turn it into a hole…those who are never happy with what they have and constantly pursue getting a bigger donut or maybe one with sprinkles. There is nothing wrong with wanting to be better or to do better, whether in sports or in life; however, many confuse the pursuit of a bigger donut with the material rewards of doing better or one may be envious of someone else’s donut. It is the process of life that one needs to focus upon doing better and not the awards or possessions that one collects. The donut is being a better you. Keep your eye on the donut and not on the hole.

So, today, when you wake up, start by being thankful that you did wake up. Thank God for another day and ask His help to make it a great day by helping you be a better person and helping you make better decisions. Make sure that you focus on the donuts of today and tomorrow and not the holes that were left over from yesterday. Make some plans and prioritize what you can do today and don’t fret about something that you did or didn’t do yesterday. Live in the moment. Keep your eye on the donut and not on the hole.