Appreciate what you have

Remember the song lyrics about "looking for love in all the wrong places"? It occurs to me that we're sort of like that in chasing after happiness, too. We look in lots of places trying to find happiness—many of them the wrong places. But that really doesn't work, does it? Like a beautiful butterfly, happiness tends to light on our shoulders when we're not looking. It doesn't respond well to attempts to capture it.

Much better to simply enjoy and appreciate what we already have. What's available and accessible right around you? What's there now that you haven't even noticed? Cultivate happiness by noticing—and appreciating—those things.

Are you surrounded by colorful and lovely flowers? By lush green trees and bushes? By birds singing? Squirrels chattering and chasing one another? The smile of your child or grandchild? Hugs from loved ones and friends? Are you senses awakened by the smell of your morning coffee? Or the scent of something delicious baking in the oven or cooking on the grill?

We are surrounded by so many delights. What if, instead of chasing happiness, we awaken to those wonderful things that fill our environment? Savor and enjoy. Appreciate what you have already.