How often do you miss marvelous things?
The modern, busy lives we live often keep our minds and attention distracted (I wrote about this last week – https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/use-lose-tim-richardson-6l7wc/) from marveling.
For most of us, every waking moment is spent working, doing housework, and taking care of kids, parents, and/or pets. When we are done with the essential work, we may take a brief “rest” by watching Netflix, or something similar, before starting again. Even when we wait in line, we instinctively pull out our phones and scroll or check email. With every minute filled, it’s no wonder that we rarely talk to strangers or catch the delightful manner of a songbird’s flight, a beautiful sunset, or even a special celebration in our careers.
I’m grateful that a cordial hello to a seatmate on a flight earlier this week turned into a delightful conversation which resulted in increased curiosity, a new friend, and a desire to experience more marvel and less misery.
My seatmate and new friend, John Hempelmann, has a “marvel mindset”.
When he was a young man, John had the good fortune of participating in a training program at Nordstrom department store. The exercise of writing down his positive thoughts and affirmations has stuck with him throughout his life. John recalls his lists of blessings, positive experiences, and good fortune regularly to build and keep the habit of positive thinking. This process both makes him grateful for all the good things in life and keeps him grounded when bad things happen. What a terrific reminder of the power of marveling at what is good!
Where many find misery, John finds marvel.
He marvels at:
· Healthcare advancements that grant him an incredibly active lifestyle despite having a titanium hip and shoulder
· Nature and the renewing inspiration and wonder that results from spending time outdoors
· 37 years of business success with colleagues who share mutual admiration, collegiality, and respect for each other
· How modern technology continues to evolve and improve our world
· Extensive travel that has deepened his understanding for other cultures and refreshed his belief in the goodness of people
· The spark of energy and creativity that his daily exercise routine creates
· The love and joy he that he receives and gives to his family and friends
Marvel.
It’s not a word we use a lot these days. Frankly, we are more accustomed to highlighting the bad things in life rather than the good ones. Many of us have real obstacles and frustrations in our lives. But no one has a life completely free of blessing.
Tap into your superpower and find marvel every day.
“Common places never become tiresome. It is we who become tired when we cease to be curious and appreciative. We find that it is not a new scene which is needed, but a new viewpoint.” Norman Rockwell
