When was the last time that you took a moment to enjoy the little things? And by little things, I don’t mean that overpriced cup of junk.....uhh.. java, that you bought at Starbucks. Or that nice, shiny rock that your significant other bought you. Or even the shiny new credit card that came in the mail. You know, the one with a higher credit limit than what the El Gordo lottery pays out?

I’m talking about the little wonders that surround us each and every day. Unfortunately, far too many people are so involved in the rat race called life, that they fail to notice the small wonders that present themselves each and every day.

Think about it for a moment. When was the last time that something made you stop, and be completely marvelled by it? No-no, go ahead, take your time, I’ll wait. I’ll be over here in the corner, absorbed in my whistling. *Who knew it would be SO hard to whistle Metallica tunes? Phew! LOL*

Wow, nothing yet, huh? If you’re still filing through your cerebral rolodex, and you’re back into the 1990's, just STOP. Right now. You skim through that rolodex anymore, and your brain’s gonna heat up, and go into meltdown. If it’s been that long, you haven’t been in control of your life. Life’s been controlling you.

When WAS the last time that you took the time to just enjoy a moment? The warmth on your face, as you tilted your head towards the sun. The feel of the cool, crisp air, as it passes through your nasal passages as you inhale deeply. The warmth of a hot shower, as it permeates to the very core of your being. The reflection of the sun as it bounces off a rippling pool of water. Watching a squirrel, perched on a tree branch, as he/she eats their daily meal. The bright colors of a blue jay or cardinal, as they perch on the fence outside a window. By being so wrapped up in life, how many of the aforementioned have passed you by, or have you never even thought of taking the time to enjoy? It is only when we become aware of, and appreciate the little gifts in life, that life truly becomes great.

Roll your chair a little closer to the computer. Go ahead, I don’t bite. Let me give you a little glimpse into my world of small wonders this morning.

When I woke up this morning, I was greeted by Beser (one of the Clan O’Kitties), as she draped her paws across my outstretched forearm, with her head resting on her paws. If you want a wake up call, try the gentle tapping of a cold kitty nose on a closed eye-lid. That’s what I got from Beser this morning. A short time later, I was surrounded by the ‘circle of fur’. Miss Piggy to my left, Shorty to my right, and Beser at the foot of the bed. Shorty’s teeth-rattling purring. Almost like having one of those vibrating beds, but not having to feed quarters into it. LOL Miss Piggy, as she laid on my chest, gently purring away. Beser, as she crawled under the bed covers, and curled up next to me for a bit. The gentle pitter-pattering of rain, as it found its way to the snow-covered ground. I spent an extra hour in bed, just to enjoy those little moments. All of that, and all before 7:30 a.m. Imagine how many more wonders I, and you, can come across during the span of a day!

When you take the time to recognize the great number of little things that happen around you to brighten your day, stress just melts away. All stress is self-imposed. If you allow it to consume you and your day, it is because you made that choice. Why not make a better choice, and focus on all of the good things that surround you?

Make that better choice right now. Log off your computer, push your chair away from your desk, and seek out your own small wonders. You’ll be happier, and you’ll have a better day for it.