It doesn't get any better than this!
About an hour ago, I was sitting outside, under a gazebo, in 80 degree breezy weather with a dog on my lap and another one beside me. I was reverently looking around me at the wonders of nature: a hill covered with yellow Lady Bank's roses; crystal clear blue sky (a rarity here in Scottsdale); lush green grass that seemed to be growing as I was admiring it; birds playing hide and go seek in the hollows of cacti; the scent of orange blossoms wafting from the neighbor's trees mixed with the scent of fresh rosemary from the planters around the pool; pansies, daisies, and petunias of every color looking as if they were posing — awaiting a talented artist to capture their glory. The more I looked, the more wonders revealed themselves to me and I felt extremely grateful. As I was rubbing the dog's tummy I thought, "Life doesn't get any better than this!"
If I was a billionaire many times over, I couldn't have spent my time more perfectly. I felt connected to God and Mother Earth as well as the animal, vegetable and mineral kingdoms — I was lacking nothing. I was so full of joy, gratitude and awe that there wasn't even the tiniest speck of emptiness in any cell of my being. I was relaxed, blissful and extremely appreciative.
Why am I sharing this with you? It's to inspire you to make positive choices so you can experience bliss even before you achieve some long-range goal. You can experience it in the midst of uncertainty — one moment at a time. I wanted to remind you that happiness, joy, satisfaction and peace come from within. They are the result of our thoughts and perceptions. When you are willing to change your thoughts, a whole new spectrum of beauty and new opportunities become available to you.
By the way, I was only outside for about 15 minutes. The backyard I was in doesn't actually belong to me nor do the dogs or the vegetation but, while I was outside they were mine. I "owned" the experience. I took in every iota of the beauty around me and repaid Mother Nature's generosity with gratitude. I was fully present in each moment and each one was divine. I wasn't thinking about the pain in multiple locations in my body, worrying about how bills would be paid, measuring myself against some arbitrary standard for beauty or intelligence, trying to change the world so it followed "my" rules or doing anything other than fully experiencing the wonders around me.
I made a conscious choice to give my ego and my critical mind the afternoon off. The result was getting to feel contented knowing "life doesn't get any better than this."
If I was a billionaire many times over, I couldn't have spent my time more perfectly. I felt connected to God and Mother Earth as well as the animal, vegetable and mineral kingdoms — I was lacking nothing. I was so full of joy, gratitude and awe that there wasn't even the tiniest speck of emptiness in any cell of my being. I was relaxed, blissful and extremely appreciative.
Why am I sharing this with you? It's to inspire you to make positive choices so you can experience bliss even before you achieve some long-range goal. You can experience it in the midst of uncertainty — one moment at a time. I wanted to remind you that happiness, joy, satisfaction and peace come from within. They are the result of our thoughts and perceptions. When you are willing to change your thoughts, a whole new spectrum of beauty and new opportunities become available to you.
By the way, I was only outside for about 15 minutes. The backyard I was in doesn't actually belong to me nor do the dogs or the vegetation but, while I was outside they were mine. I "owned" the experience. I took in every iota of the beauty around me and repaid Mother Nature's generosity with gratitude. I was fully present in each moment and each one was divine. I wasn't thinking about the pain in multiple locations in my body, worrying about how bills would be paid, measuring myself against some arbitrary standard for beauty or intelligence, trying to change the world so it followed "my" rules or doing anything other than fully experiencing the wonders around me.
I made a conscious choice to give my ego and my critical mind the afternoon off. The result was getting to feel contented knowing "life doesn't get any better than this."
Posted by Joanne P. Stein at 3/18/2010 5:33 PM 
Categories: Personal Growth, joy, optimism, happiness, LAW OF ATTRACTION, prosperity, stress management
Tags: life coaching spirituality choices success work life balance prosperity spiritual growth gratitude beliefs joy spiritual coaching stress reduction happiness
Categories: Personal Growth, joy, optimism, happiness, LAW OF ATTRACTION, prosperity, stress management
Tags: life coaching spirituality choices success work life balance prosperity spiritual growth gratitude beliefs joy spiritual coaching stress reduction happiness
Joanne dear ; What a lovely entry. So many people dwell on their aches, and pains, bills, etc. What a lovely way to help us all, with your lovely posting. I can be sure you are a truly special person--who cares about others,--- which is rare enough in these times, with ever so many self absorbed individuals walking among us. I just love Scottsdale ! Blessings and love to you, Janell , Henderson (Green Valley) Nevada
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Oh, Janell, you made my day. Thank you for taking the time to send me the lovely note. I could feel that it came from your heart and, because of that, it really touched mine. With gratitude, Joanne
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Joanne -- You write so exquisitely! I felt like I was there with you and, like you, had this moment of "heaven on earth"! Thank you for reminding me that richness and beauty are all around us for free if we open ourselves to experiencing them.
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Thanks, Nan! You always say the nicest things. You're such a wonderful writer in your own right so your praise is treasured.
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What a treasure you are, finding life's bounty everywhere you look. I find the best things in life are free, laughter, birdsong, butterflies. Right now I am working on being a smile millionaire. LOL
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i posted a link for this blog at mine, I am sure most people will find it informative.
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I'm glad like my blog and took the time to post it on your own blog. I hope your readers find it of value -- that's my intention.
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