Some people go through life as automatons, taking for granted everything and everyone and not really paying attention to their surroundings. This is easily done because not noticing things may be good for us in the long run. Our mind has a tendency of noticing and focusing on the negative things; hence, when we dont notice, we dont get hurt.

However, not noticing the negative will prevent us from not noticing the positive, as they may come in pairs. There is always the duality of good/bad, ying/yang, dark/light, good/evil, heads/tails. What we need to do is understand this duality and veer our mind from the negative, to the positive. When we focus on the positive, positive things start happening to us, and then the negative becomes a non-issue.

Based on this, regardless of your surrounds, you can start noticing what is that that makes you feel good, instead of feeling blas, or, God forbid, bad. And then, as a second step, you can start appreciating these things. The best way to do this, is to start by the little, simple things that give you pleasure in your daily living.

For example, have you noticed how extraordinarily good it feels

1. to go to a warm bed, rest your head in a soft pillow, and relax after a long day?

2. to get into a hot shower, and feel the water running through your body, face, and head? And how about a hot bath?

3. to get inside a warm place when it is terribly cold outside? Or on the contrary, to get inside a very cool place when the weather is scorching?

4. to feel the hands of a small child touching you?

5. to hear the birds in the morning after a long winter?

6. to hear your children (or your dog) greeting you when you get home?

7. to drink a glass of fresh water when you are thirsty?

8. to smell fresh coffee and a cinnamon bun?

9. to see animals at play?

10. to taste some food that you love but dont normally have the chance to eat?

There are many little things that trigger a pleasure moment and that pass unnoticed through our senses. We deserve to feel good. It is time to truly stop and smell the roses. And be grateful for it.

Maria Moratto

Dr. Maria Moratto holds 5 degrees, including 2 B.A., 2 M.A., and one Ph.D. Originally from Brazil, she has over 25 years experience in academics as well as coaching individuals and groups; teaching seminars, teleseminars, and classe, and writing books and other articles on self-improvement topics such as stress and time-management, leisure, spirituality, abundance, prosperity, learning styles and multiple intelligences, academic survival, relationships, natural medicine, diversity, goal setting, career, lifestyle, and spiritual business.

She is passionate about helping others improve their lives and find true happiness, health, and prosperity. She thinks that life is supposed to be easy, simple, and fun. She is a great supporter of LOHAS.

She lives in Fair Oaks, CA with her 17 year old son Alex and two kitties, Zeh and Fitty, whom she adores.