1. Don’t let nature go unnoticed—Enjoy nature and all it has to offer. There is a reason why flowers bloom, why the rivers and waterfalls gush, why the birds chirp, why the sun rises, and moon shines—everything about nature has a reason. One of the things I enjoy so much about being out in nature is realizing how small I am compared to the vast grandeur of this earth. Having a distinct awareness that I am so minute compared to the universe makes me feel closer to my creator, that there is a higher power than me, than all of these—all of my problems, cares, and other human ailments I live with. It helps ground me by being mindful of my relationship to the universe.

2. Don’t take for granted the little things—Some are too important to miss like the breeze, the sound of the wind, water, laughter. Most often than not, these little things are what lifts the soul. One of the little things I always loved are the weed flowers. They are weeds yes, but they provide beauty that mirrors humility.

3. Don’t miss the moments such as witnessing the majestic glory of the sunrise and the grandeur of the sunset—Witnessing the sun rise brings with it renewed hope for a new day, new adventure, new strength to do hard things, new possibilities, while seeing the sun set offers a promise that tomorrow will come bringing with it peace, healing, and endless opportunities. Be present in the here and now.

4. Don’t discount the power of humor— Laughter may not cure everything, but it sure adds essence to your life. There is strength in being able to find humor in your situation no matter how dire it may seem. Don’t be afraid to laugh at yourself, at your eccentricities, silliness, and even your mistakes. On our way back from catching the sunrise at Sunrise Point at Bryce Canyon one time, my husband was declaring something to me—something along the lines of his love for me and all, when out of the blue my digestive tract decided to unabashedly cheer us with a loud pop of flatulence combined with confetti of smell in the air! The look on his face as he jerked away from me with “eeeeew” on his face was priceless! I was laughing at myself so hard tears were streaming down my cheeks. Such is the humor in life. Don’t discount the cheer it could do to your soul. 

5. Don’t live without gratitude in your heart—There are so many things we take for granted each day that we don’t even think about giving thanks for, like the service from people who make it possible for us to have a good day—from the garbage man who collects our trash, the faceless farmers who toiled so we can have food to buy from the local grocer, the unknown workers who mine for oil so we can have gas for our cars, the sewer workers who ensure water treatment facilities work well so our bathroom businesses go smoothly, and so many other things that go unnoticed. When we start being mindful of the little things and the many faceless people behind the scenes that make it possible for us to have a “normal” day, our heart’s ability to hold gratitude, expands! Gratitude increases our ability to feel joy.

6. Don’t waste your time on anything without value—That includes people who are toxic and manipulative. Instead, focus on what will provide meaning to your life. Rethink relationships that are toxic—sometimes you must distance yourself from certain people to keep your sanity intact and your emotions healthy. There will come a time when you must accept that not everyone around you is in need of or worthy of your love and service, that not everyone deserves you and that is ok. Don’t waste your time on those who will take you for granted. It’s ok to walk away and choose yourself. Sometimes, there are people that you can continue to love but from a distance.

7. Don’t forget to treasure those who treasure you—Treasure people, yes—those who value your value; those who respect your boundaries and appreciate your worth. Build and strengthen these relationships. Make memories together, lots of it! Strengthen your connection. Positive connections with people fulfill our innate need to be validated, acknowledged, needed, accepted, appreciated, and loved.

8. Don’t be harsh on yourself or others—Practicing kindness is a must. Be kind, be gentle, be compassionate, even when it’s hard. The test of one’s true character is acting with kindness, gentleness, and compassion even when circumstances or people are challenging—yes, loving those who are difficult to love, including yourself. Remember that if you want to truly love others, you must first love and accept yourself wholeheartedly. You cannot love others for the things you hate about yourself. So, love yourself, all of your jagged edges and pokey self.

9. Don’t take your body for granted—It’s an amazing machine and work of art; it can do many amazing things. All your five senses. On my birthday week trip last year to Southern UT, I’ve really reflected on how grateful I am that I have the senses I have– to see the beauty of the sunset, hear the rushing of the waters, touch the grass and rocks, to smell the scent of the summer wildflowers, and have the tastebuds to enjoy delectable meals. Don’t go a day without noticing your body and what it does for you, the sound of your heart beating as it pumps blood to nourish your organs, the rise and fall of your chest as you breath in and out, what your eyes can see, the different scents your nose can pick out, your ears as you listen to every sound, your ability to hold things with your hands, your legs and feet as they carry your body, your spine as it supports your posture. Your body is amazing, take care of it and celebrate it!

10. Don’t forget to connect with your spirituality—A higher power, God, the universe, whatever it is that provides you with the spiritual boost. The key to this is mindfulness. It allows you to look inward, to inspect yourself, to check what needs tuning up. When you are mindful, you are more in tune with listening with your heart and not just with your ears. You are utilizing your inner wisdom thereby taking you to spiritual heights of understanding you normally would not achieve when your mind is too cluttered with worries of what to do next and forgetting the present

 moment. Practicing mindfulness and being in the here and now allows your mind and body to fully experience your life’s meaning, its purpose, and relationship to the universe, to something bigger and grander! Mindfulness unlocks the full potential of your spirituality. In addition, don’t forget, that spirituality differs for everybody. Not everyone is on the same plane as you, not everyone will share your beliefs, and that is ok. Your spiritual journey is not a race against others, we are all journeying individually but collectively.