Opportunity Isn’t Knocking, It’s Ringing

“Of all the attitudes we can acquire, surely
the attitude of gratitude is the most important,
and by far the most life-changing.”
– Zig Ziglar

Do you take life for granted? It happens. Certainly there are times I do (you know I’m not perfect), though I am much more mindful than I used to be. Years ago, I was so worried about the “what ifs” that I didn’t have much time to “stop and smell the roses.” Throughout my wellness journey, I’ve adopted many habits to ensure that I do make time for a spiritual practice. By doing so, I am able to give my body and mind the opportunity to appreciate all that I have and express gratitude; this has enhanced my life greatly.

Sometimes it’s walking around with the sun shining overhead, other times it’s watching the snow create a winter wonderland in New York City. Sometimes it’s going out to my favorite vegan restaurant, other times it’s shopping at the farmers’ market and then creating a delicious plate of vegetables at home. It could be an easy commute to work, a nice compliment at the office, spontaneous plans with a good friend – whatever makes you happy. Appreciate these moments. It’s not only about enjoying the moment; it is about having gratitude for the opportunity.

Have you heard this expression: Yesterday is the past; tomorrow is the future; today is a ‘present’ you give to yourself? We can’t change the past and worrying about what might happen tomorrow isn’t going to change what happens (indeed, planning for the future and possibilities is a very wise thing to do), but staying ‘present’ to the moment is an art and each day we’re alive is a gift. So then, why do we set an alarm to begin each day? Is that a way to express gratitude?

I recently read a story recalled by Chris Widener, a personal development and leadership expert and best-selling author. When he was in college he heard someone refer to an alarm clock as an “opportunity” clock. “It was something that demonstrated to me a positive attitude and the choice to take something that most people dread, and change it into a motivating factor,” said Widener. Think about it – what happens when an alarm goes off? Something bad! Waking up to a new day, on the other hand, is something very good. It’s a blessing and an opportunity – one for which we can all be grateful.

So go ahead, develop an attitude – an attitude of gratitude! Set your opportunity clock each morning to wake up to a new day of possibilities. Appreciate all that you have because it is your expressions of gratitude that will bring more abundance into your life.

Next Steps:

1. Take time to “smell the roses” and appreciate the beauty of life around you.
2. Keep track of your good fortune in a journal. (Remember, each new day is a ‘present’ so make a note of the gifts each day brings.)
3. Make a point of saying “thank you” when someone does something for you – holds the door or the elevator, gives up a seat on the bus, gives you a compliment.
4. Set your opportunity clock to wake you up in the morning for a new day.

These steps will help you live mindfully, providing you a strong foundation for a lifetime of health and well-being. If you are concerned about your diet and overwhelmed lifestyle, contact me or call 413-282-7286. At Bravo! Wellness, I work with my clients to create manageable lifestyle changes so they are able to achieve their greatest potential in life, health and business.