When I feel discouraged, I know it’s the perfect time to pause, take a deep breath and notice the little things. There is always beauty around in the small things. I just have to decide to notice what is already there.
Noticing beauty is easy when you’re in a good mood. Not so easy when you feel discouraged. Discouraged feels like a dark cloud. You can’t see anything pretty through that cloud. That’s why it helps to stop for a minute, close your eyes, take a deep breath and make a decision. Decide in that one moment to notice the first beautiful thing that appears…and then open your eyes.
There it will be. The thing that reminds you of a good feeling. A vibrant color. A familiar and comforting sound. The sense of gratitude that rises from your heart. Beauty is there, all around, even when you feel discouraged. You just need to notice.
Noticing the small beauty around me, changes me. I begin to feel hopeful. The tension begins to fall from my brow. I might carry my discouragement a bit further, but the dark clouds are definitely parting. There is so much beauty. I don’t want to waste another minute.
Grateful
Paula
