When I travel I get to see many beautiful places which captivate my attention. Whether I am experiencing the local people, a metropolitan skyline, breathtaking nature, or ancient architecture, I always try to stop to appreciate the view. In contrast, when I used to live in Vancouver I seemed to take the immense beauty of my surroundings for granted. For most of my adult life before leaving Vancouver I lived within walking distance of the beach but rarely took advantage of it. Now when I go back to visit my brother we always engaged in some kind of outdoor activity whether hiking, biking, kayaking, or anything to do with natural attributes the city has to offer. I no longer take the beauty of Vancouver’s location for granted, just as I do not take for granted the beauty of my current home, Hamburg, and the benefits of living in Europe.
Young children are great reminders of how beautiful and fascinating our world is. They find beauty and wonder every day. Unfortunately, we seem to lose this ability as we change focus and become lost in our world serious thoughts and worries. Sadly, children are also soon drawn into a digital world of selfies, likes and comments. Then they grow into adults with a growing fear of missing out so that, between rushing around and trying to keep a step ahead, the only thing they pay attention to is what is the latest post or tweet. There is no way to be open and curious about the world if any time you are not occupied with too many thoughts you are looking down at a screen. The only beauty you will see on your device is what other people are experiencing.
We all get so wrapped up in our habits and routines that it takes new surroundings or a break in our daily habits to remind us of the beauty all around us. Every moment, in any place, can reveal some form of beauty. If you see the world only from a perspective of what is wrong, what is missing and how difficult life is, then you will likely miss a great deal. It is hard to be grateful for what you have when you see life through such eyes. Learning to see the value of little things every day can take you out of a life of frustration, sadness and even hopelessness, into one of joy and gratitude. When you do experience something inspiring and beautiful resist the urge to take a picture and post it. Maybe you can take a break from carrying your smartphone. If you can break the habit of excessive thought and excessive digital sharing you will see more of what you are currently missing. If you can learn to see life's beauty more regularly your appreciation for life will grow and so will your happiness.
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