take nothing for granted

small things are easy to overlook, especially when i’m caught up in the momentum of daily routine. i used to keep an “observation journal” where i would jot down a few subtle things each day that somehow caught my attention. it helped to slow my pace and open my eyes and ears to things that might otherwise go unnoticed. i just bought a brand new notebook and i’m going to keep another of these journals because sometimes the things that don’t demand our immediate attention are the things that can bring beauty and peace into our lives.

I’m beginning to realize that real happiness is found when you can really look at, and see things for what they ARE… not for what you wish they were, or what you wish they might someday become, but what they are right now. Learning to see things for what they are, then learning to accept them, work with them, respect them, adore them and then embrace them. Never ever taking any of it for granted. Be it an experience, an opportunity, a challenge or a person – everything and everyone is worthy of our focused attention. Be here, be present.

I have been attempting this. I find this goal one of the most difficult. The main reason for this is, quite simply, that I am a 15 year old American living in an upper-middle class family. It’s natural for me to take things for granted when I get everything handed to me from parents, my country etc. I am going to really try to change this. I think that it will give me a better outlook on life. I’ve travelled more than most people my age, so I know how people in other countries live. The ones that I have been to though are some of the richer nations in the world, so the experience was not all that different from being at home in terms of living quality. Hopefully I will be able to think more about what I have on a regular basis. I’m also planning on joining the peace corps after college. So, although a few years away, I think that that will help too.

Sometimes I wonder if this is something anyone can truly accomplish… I mean, you certainly can try and it’s a fantastically worthy goal. But you’re bound to underestimate something or someone, aren’t you? I don’t know.
So far, I’ve been doing my best. The tulips and daffodils have bloomed in my yard and even though other things have been annoying me to no end, I stopped to pick some. The tulip has a yellowy center, which I wouldn’t have known if I hadn’t bothered looking closer.

how awesome is it to be alive! i can move, walk, talk, eat, sing, dance, laugh, cry, sleep, swim, etc. i want to take everyday as a gift, a chance, an opportunity. i want to live life and taken nothing, not even rain, or a smile, or a good grade, or a hug, ANYTHING, for less than it’s worth.

and noone.

This has been my only new years resolution and it will continue to be the only one I think about.

To appreciate everything in life for what it is, is one step closer to real happiness.