We knew it would happen…again. Another month gone by in a blur. Despite this blur, Focus was the word this July.
As this summer’s Writing Intern, I spent the past month exploring the meaning of focus–what it looks like, how it manifests itself–for the creatives and entrepreneurs that are making Indy the place to be:
- Rebecca and Aaron Zettler on cultivating focus and community through draft
- Robin Long-Jordan on making offices more ADHD-friendly
- Morgan Allan, Ben Glenn, and Edge on their ADHD superpowers
These conversations have shown me that focus is something different for everyone. From ADHD and neurodivergence to earbuds in and volume all the way up, there is no single–or right–way to get a job done.
This month has been all about honing our attention, resources, and passion for the causes that fuel our fire. For some, it’s building a business from the ground up (hi, draft); for others, it’s being an advocate for ADHD awareness and accessibility (I tip my hat to you, L-J).
As I sit here writing this–as with every article I’ve written, interview I’ve conducted, newsletter I’ve proofread–I find my attention drifting, mind wandering. I had my iced coffee this morning. Phone is on DND. And yet…
It’s an uphill battle, one in which I’m sure I’m in good company and one which I’m slowly but surely learning to climb. I’m realizing that what we give our attention and our time–our focus–is what grows. Ultimately, it’s what we, ourselves, become and grow into.
On growth, focus, and her life both in and outside of her career, Indy-based professional actress, Jen Johansen, joined PATTERN this past Tuesday for an intimate community gathering at The Stutz.
I was unable to be in attendance, but I leave you in good hands…Here are a few words from fellow interns who sat fireside:
- Chelsie Walsman, Photography Intern: “The best thing about Jen was that when she spoke, anybody could relate to what she was saying. She didn’t only talk to the actors in the room. We did a round table set up which really helped grab everybody’s attention. Jen has an energy that brings you in. She is very radiant.”
- Nicole Hay, Graphic Design Intern: “We talked about acting but also about life and those transitions from different points in time specifically being a creative. From such an intimate circle, she opened up and I felt like I was really able to connect and be seen. I got a lot of motivation and advice going forward with how to work with my own career and my own ADHD.”
- Natty Glenn, Videography Intern: “Jen was super inspiring. I loved how she not only shared things about her acting career but also about her life experiences. I have had some opportunities to take part in musical productions, myself, so I enjoyed listening to her acting advice. But I also loved hearing how she grew to be successful, and how she’s been able to earn money by doing the thing she is passionate about.”
As I wrap up this month’s theme, I am left with a renewed resolve to put my focus and attention toward the things I want to grow in my own life. My writing, for starters. There are a few New York Times recipes I’ve been meaning to try my hand at. And my Summer Reading List has kept my average screen time well below three hours (…progress).
My biggest July takeaway: Tend your garden. Water your plants, weed out the dandelions (not without making a wish), and celebrate when your hard work yields something ripe and sweet.
The way I see it, love and focus are synonymous. It’s hard to go wrong when you’re putting those two ingredients into a project. So I hope this month’s stories, events, and resources have reminded you to show yourself and your passions some love–some focus.
All mine,
Kate Nevers
