The Power Of Wow! Be Amazed Every Day!
The Easter season and the beauty of spring seems to beg for us to truly be amazed by all that this wonderful world has to offer. One of the last pieces of advice my dad gave me before he left this mortal life was to always look around me and find something to be in awe of each day…the power of wow, he liked to call it.
As grown-ups, we may not experience the innocent delight and awe of a child discovering nature for the first time, but we can certainly open up our hearts and be filled with the wonder and happiness that can be experienced when we take the opportunity to be amazed by the incredible gifts that are ours to enjoy–simply because of our existence here on earth!
“Give each day the chance to become the most beautiful of your life!” Mark Twain
Being More Mindful!
In trying harder to live each day with a more mindful approach, I’m reminded of a neat plaque that hung in the play area of a pediatric unit where I used to work:
“Be sure to explore the world with a fresh curiosity!”
Would you be surprised to learn that amazement is an instant stress reliever? Dr. Rick Hanson of Psychology Today, even goes so far as to say that, “being amazed brings you into an enlightened relationship with the inherent mysteries and astounding bounties of the world you live in.” We can often become preoccupied with our daily obligations, but I’ve found that the chance to be amazed is more likely to happen when I remember to allow myself the luxury of being wowed by the neat surprises that each day has to offer…when I do this–I feel energized and more grateful!
Today Is A Wonderful Gift!
I know that when I live more present-minded, I’m less likely to get stuck in my head–instead, I tend to focus more on savoring life and the people and things that make each day a wonderful gift. Michael Kernis, a psychology professor at the University of Georgia, asserts that “when people are more mindful, they’re more likely to experience themselves as part of a greater good; it heightens their instincts and they are able to let go and focus more on the things that matter most.” Living more mindfully doesn’t mean we shouldn’t learn from the past and the life lessons that have made us stronger and helped shape who we are…I also believe in setting goals and having strategies in place to help us plan for the future so we can take advantage of every opportunity to build a more meaningful life.
“The past is behind us, learn from it. The future is ahead, prepare for it. The present is here. Live it!” Thomas S. Monson
A Few Things Thant Amaze Me!
I’m amazed…when I see the world through the beautiful eyes of my grandchildren; it gives me hope in the future of this sometimes crazy world!
“There’s a certain joy and wonder everywhere about you, when you see the world through a child’s eyes.” Katrina Mayer
I’m amazed…by the arrival of each season–but spring is my favorite!
“Spring brings out our optimism!” Susan Bissonette
I’m amazed…by the talent and passion of people who take pride in their craft!
“A good chef is like a sorceress who serves up magic and happiness!” Elsa Schiaparelli
(If possible, take the opportunity to sit where the chef’s prepare your food at your favorite restaurant…and be amazed! My husband and I like to do this at The Copper Onion in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah.)
I’m amazed…and my spirits are lifted by a beautiful sunset when I leave work after a long, busy shift at the hospital!
“At the end of the day, before you close your eyes…be content with what you’ve done and proud of who you are.” Tribute Journal
Mostly I’m amazed…at God’s love and His kind hand in my life!
“When you rush through life…it becomes a race, but when you cherish each moment…it becomes a beautiful journey!” Apoovre Debey
Please share how you stay amazed with the world around you?
–Love, Mary