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3 Ways To Slow Down and Enjoy Life More

It's very easy to get caught up in the "race" that is life.

There's work and children, and bills, and homework, and ......well, you get the picture. I witnessed an utterly gorgeous sunrise this morning while visiting Branson, Missouri. This is what it looked like from my hotel window.

I just sat back an enjoyed it splendor. I said nothing, and tried not to think anything at all. I just sat in awe of this process that occurs every single day in our world and most of us miss it completely. It got me to thinking about how many times the sun rises (every day since I was born, it turns out!) that we take for granted.

So I'd like to suggest a few ways to stop and enjoy your world and your respective surroundings a bit more each day.

1. Wake up earlier than you have to. A great deal of the nature's beauty and re-freshening happens before most of us are up and about. I would have missed this sunrise had I not woken up earlier than I normally do. (And certainly earlier than I normally do while on vacation) Sunrises, the dew burning off the grass as the ground warms.....all take place early in the morning.

2. Take note of the beauty all around you. As you go about your day, simply take a few moments to enjoy the natural wonders that surround you. I understand that I live in East Tennessee and this is easier for me than folks in other parts of the country! This exercise is more about slowing down and taking a breath than anything else. At your next stop light, look around. What do you see? (I'm not talking about the guy singing out of key to the new Maroon 5 track in the care next to you!) What does nature offer to you on this particular afternoon or evening drive home from work? Enjoy it.

3. Walk somewhere. Now, I know this goes against everything our technologically superior civilization would have us believe, but just walk somewhere. The location doesn't really matter. You will notice things that you simply can't see while driving. The health benefits are obvious, and Lord knows the U.S. could use more exercise, but that's not my point here. Take in all the senses that we are blessed with. Enjoy.

Let's slow down every now and again, and just enjoy this world we live in!