Over the years, I have read many self-help books and experimented with different practices to allow me to be more mindful, overcome negativity, embrace life and thrive. But "being like a child who is astonished at everything" has proven to be the simplest, the most beneficial and the most fun way to experience more joy in my life. It allows me to "show up" where I already am and notice what I already have in my life, rather than what I don't have or what needs to be changed.

Here are just a few of the things that I have been astonished at this week:

• I have a body which, for the most part, functions well, gets me where I want to go and allows me to do the things I want to do.
• There is beauty all around me if I just stop and pay attention.
• I still have so much to learn - about myself, about others and the world around me.
• My clients are incredible. They have decided what's important to them, what they want to be different and are working hard to make it happen.
  
• Kindness and generosity has been identified as the top strength among Americans (even though you wouldn't know that by watching the news). Self-regulation is our lowest strength; no wonder obesity has reached epidemic proportions.
  
• My new puppy knows more than most of us do about living a good life. Her book would be titled Eat, Play, Sleep and would probably be a best seller.
  
• Since I eat because the clock says it's time to eat, I have forgotten what true hunger feels like.
• Sitting outside reading a good book is as relaxing as a massage or a day at the beach, but I don't do it very often.
  
• Because of technology, I can watch my granddaughter while we read a book or sing songs even though she lives 600 miles away. Isn't Skype amazing?
  

It just occurred to me that this week's newsletter is the final step in Mary Oliver's instructions for living life: pay attention, be astonished, and tell others about it.

Isn't that astonishing!

To your success,
Gloria