It's not what your look at that matters, it's what you see. -Thoreau

www.nannetterichford.com

A few weeks go I watched the movie The Abundance Factor. I had been putting off watching it because I thought it would be all about MONEY and I really wasn't ready to focus my attention on money at the exclusion of other important aspects of life. I was wrong. This movie is about Abundance in all areas of your life. Like many of the movies and books that focus on how our perspective and attitude affects our reality, it reminded me of how important it is too look at life through fresh eyes and with an open heart. If you haven't watched it yet, I strongly recommend it. It made a big impact on me.

I have recently taken up nature photography and have been immersed in finding the unique perspective that brings a photo to life. Learning to see through new eyes and to focus on the details has taught me much about life in the past year. Photography serves as a metaphor of life for me and helps me work through its complicated (or do we just make it so) nuances.

It has taught me how important it is to see beyond the ordinary and seek the extraordinary in both my work and my life. As Thoreau so aptly puts it: "It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see."

For today, try to see life and people through a different lens and practice seeking the extraordinary in the ordinary or mundane. Look for the little things that make your life unique and special and take the time to appreciate them.

Today, I am grateful for my furnace to keep me warm in sub-zero weather, for the sun that creates sparkles in the snow, and for the white carpet that blankets the world.

I am grateful for evergreens that brighten the holiday decor, for candles that flicker in the night, and for fluffy socks that warm my toes. 

I am grateful for books to read that challenge my mind, for talented photographers who are willing to share their knowledge so I may learn, and for children who brave the cold to play in the snow. 

I am grateful for my family who gave me the gift of photography, for the wondrous world of nature that serves as my subject, and for discerning eyes that can see beyond the ordinary. 

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day, May you find the extraordinary in the ordinary today as you learn that its not what you look at that matters, it is what you see.

Time is but the stream I go a-fishin in. Henry David Thoreau

It's funny how our perception of time changes from day to day. Sometimes, it seems to loom before us - yet somehow slips away like the flowing river. Strive today to spend your time in leisure - neither wishing time away - nor squandering it on things you do not enjoy. 

Sometimes, we convince ourselves that to reach our dreams and goals we must devote all out time in their pursuit and end up frustrated because it seems our efforts are in vain. Step back today and let your dreams unfold in their natural course - neither hurrying them nor holding them back. You will arrive when it is time.

Be kind to yourself in this new year. Allow yourself the gift of time. It clears the mind and rejuvenates the soul - allowing you to go forward in the direction of your dreams with confidence and clear vision.

Today, I am grateful for winding streams, jumping fish and the reflection of the sun. I am grateful for the smell of the earth, the gentle caress of the summer breeze, and the music of water.

I am grateful for a new year about to unfold,  for a clear sound mind to see the way, and for quiet moments to renew the soul. I am grateful for eyes that see, ears that hear, and a heart that beats.

I am grateful for houseplants that lift the spirit, for windows to see the world, and for candles that flicker in the night. I am grateful for the soothing scent of lavender, the aroma of fresh perked coffee, and running water.

I am grateful for family who are ever-patient with my unorthodox work schedule, for readers who visit my work, and for woodland creatures who hunker down to keep warm in the winter's cold.

I am grateful for oceans teeming with life, for the vastness of space, and for cold crisp silence that envelops winter nights.

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my world. May you use your time wisely as you go forward in the direction of your dreams.