Are You Too Busy to Stop and Pay Attention Now and Then to Your Life and the Beauty Around You?

Let’s not be so inattentive that we forget to notice the good stuff.

Merlin, my Golden Retriever, wakes me every morning. He thinks he’s the boss.

We decided to hike the trail a few blocks from my home. It was a hot morning, so we left at dawn before the sun shone its warmth down on us as we ventured out.

Always the first five minutes, Merlin must sniff every shrub and cactus, causing me a bit of annoyance as my goal is to exercise. Reluctantly I found the patience for him to enjoy the hike, too.

Finally, we’re off at a good pace — uphill we go. My mind is filled with thoughts about the article I plan on writing today, my pickleball game yesterday, and what the heck I will make for dinner tonight.

Since I was completely engrossed in my thoughts, I didn’t notice the rock poking out of the hard earth; I tripped — catching myself at the last second, saving me from a faceplant. Phew — dodged that bullet.

That near-fall was a signal — pay attention. Not just to where I’m placing my feet — but to all around me. To my life.

I’m out in nature. Now the sun is shining brilliantly; the sky is cloudless and pale blue; lizards scatter. Thank goodness I haven’t seen a rattlesnake yet this summer.

We had heavy rain a week ago, and a few bits of groundcover are appearing in the desert, side by side with the cactus and dried grass dressed in its summer wheat hue.

It took a near accident for me to notice my beautiful surroundings. What a wake-up call.

Distractions are common for all of us, as our days are busy. Even for me, a retired woman, my life is full.

I begin my day with meditation, so at least I take the time for that and to say thank You. I have another day on earth.

Yet, once that is done, I’m off and running.

We often rush through our days, failing to notice the beauty around us, forgetting to smell the proverbial roses.

Are you, too, guilty of hurrying through the moments of your day — too involved to see the magnificence of a normal life?

Perhaps we should take the time now and then during our hectic days to acknowledge our blessings and be grateful that our hearts are beating without our guidance and for all the abundance granted us.

After my morning exercise and chores are out of the way, I am ready to sit at my computer and write for a few hours every afternoon. Time flies. Before I know it, it’s time to get dinner ready.

Did I even notice how late it’s gotten? I’m not even sure I got up once.

I now have set my Smartwatch to remind me ten minutes before every hour to get up and move. I also use this cue to stop and acknowledge all I have and notice my thoughts and where I’m placing my energy.

It doesn’t take much — a few minutes to take a conscious breath and simply be.

Life is too short to let it slip by unnoticed and unappreciated.