Have you ever taken time to just look up? Look up and see what is around you. Or better yet, look up and see what our Creator has given you.

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· Look up and see the blue sky

· Look up and see the beauty in the green trees

· Look up and see the birds flying and hear them singing

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These are just a few items to spark your mind to look up from whatever has you down. Our current state is a snap shot of what is happening now. It is not our life long path. Allowing yourself to see a bigger picture alleviates stress created by dwelling on a current situation.

Many of us may be “glued” to a computer monitors for our work, working remote or the even smaller screen of our “smart phones”. I understand it is important to get your work done. However, our eyes need rest, our bodies need activity and our mind can take small breaks so we can perform better and improve our creativity.

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According to webmd.com, Looking at the beauty outside lifts our spirits and can reduce anxiety, raise energy and even helps you sleep. Many plants put substances, including organic compounds called phytoncides, into the air that seem to boost immune function.

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I believe taking the opportunity to look up allows us to appreciate the air, the beauty and the opportunity we have all around us. This process doesn’t take hours, although that would be nice, enjoying what is just outdoors can take small amounts of time. Appreciating life is a positive constant we can implement in our life on a daily basis.

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Looking up allows us to see who is around us as well. I know we can get so involved in what we are doing that we don’t realize who is right around us. Look up and see the dog that want to enjoy your company or play. Look up and see your spouse who probably would enjoy some focused conversation, not about work or interrupted by the “smart phone”. Look up and notice the kids that would like to get a hug, get an answer to their question or just spend some time with you. We can do these things to help them and ourselves enjoy our life. As we take time to enjoy these small moments, we realize how this benefits us and the people or animals we are spending the time with.

 

When we are complete on this planet, we won’t ask if the project was complete or if the bank account is full. That doesn’t matter. The time you take to appreciate what you have, who you’re with and the positive lessons you can share with others is the greatest gift if we just look up.