Did You See That? Use the Power of “Notice” to Enrich Your Life

“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.”
Albert Einstein

“You will see a cow everyday of your life,” said my coaching client. Feeling confused by her comment I replied, “Really?” She continued, “Seriously, you will see a cow everyday of your life.”

Being a little obstinate I said, “I don’t believe I saw one yesterday.” “Oh yes you did,” she quipped, “but you didn’t notice it.” “You saw one on a bill-board, on a milk carton, inside your grocery store, in a field, or on TV.”  I conceded, “You may be right, and your point?”

She continued, “It’s simple. There are cows everywhere, but whether you notice them or not it is up to you. This is the same for noticing the positive and joyful events in your life. They are all around, but whether you notice them or not it is up to you.”  

Clearly, there are heart-wrenching events in our lives and all around us. They are so easy to see and often hold our attention hostage at the expense of our noticing joy.
 
Could you benefit from seeing more joy in life?

You have heard the adage, “You must create positive moments in your life, don’t wait for them.” 

This is true. However, I want to invite you to “simply notice” the positive moments in your life. They are all around us, but often we don’t take the time to notice them. 

Recently at dinner with my kids, I chose to sit back and “notice.” I paused just to watch them. It was beautiful. I was filled with a sense of gratitude and emotion. I took a mental snap shot and even now when I recall it I am bathed with positive emotion.

All I needed to do was to stop and notice the richness that was right before me. 

Here are some easy tips to help you “notice” the joy in your life.

• Slow down. Slow down. See the cow. Recognize that joy is close at hand.
• Breath! Make a habit of taking several slow deep breaths throughout your day. Notice. See. Just be.
• Notice the positive moments and connect with them repeatedly until it becomes an unconscious action.
• Label the positive moments and take mental snap shots of them.
• Pull the snapshots up frequently to enjoy the beautiful moments time and time again. It is a gift to yourself that keeps on giving.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and yours.

“Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.
Life is beauty, admire it.
Life is a dream, realize it.
Life is a challenge meet it.
Life is a duty, complete it.
Life is a game, play it.
Life is a promise, fulfill it.
Life is sorrow, overcome it.
Life is a song, sing it.
Life is a struggle, accept it.
Life is a tragedy, confront it.
Life is an adventure, dare it.
Life is luck, make it.
Life is too precious, do not destroy it.
Life is life, fight for it.”
Mother Teresa