Enjoy the World Around You

No matter where you live, there is beauty around you. Try to enjoy some of it, whether it’s man-made or a result of Mother Nature. Take a walk, or sit outside if the weather is nice. Look, really look, at the world around you. It is amazing…from the beauty of a spider web in the sun to the glory of a skyscraper at dusk. And don’t forget your sense of smell – this is one of our most powerful senses. The smell of a freshly cut lawn, or of spaghetti sauce warming on the stove, or of a fragrant flower can relax and refresh us.

So often we go through our lives with our heads down, just trying to get everything done. We are stressed and frantic, and feel that we can’t take the time to enjoy the world. But it really isn’t a matter of time – it’s a matter of vision. If we look closely at anything – a rock, a tree, a patch of grass – we will see more than we ever thought was there.

I remember a Project Runway episode several years ago where contestants were given a camera and told to go around Manhattan and take pictures that inspired them (and then use that information to design and create a garment). I was shocked when one of the contestants took a picture of dirty water in the gutter, but when I saw the picture, it really was beautiful. And I will always remember the beautiful dress he made…truly finding beauty and inspiration in the mundane.