David J.

Pollay

Read David's bio and previous columns

July 7, 2008

Look for Beauty and Opportunity

A few weeks ago, my younger daughter, four-year-old Ariela, and I went to a little café for breakfast. After our meal, I held her hand as we went for a walk in an old residential neighborhood.

And about five minutes into our walk, Ariela said, “Papi, look at that tree.”

I looked up and saw a fairly common looking tree without many leaves.

“Not there Papi,” Ariela said as she pointed. “Look up there!”

I looked up even higher. And at the top of the tree was a burst of orange color. I had never seen anything like it before. It was absolutely beautiful. It looked like a giant bouquet of orange flowers perched on the tree’s canopy. With enthusiastic prodding from my daughter, I saw beauty I had not seen before.

This Week At Home

This week let my daughter prod you too: Look for beauty in your family and in your home.

Rather than notice the things that frustrate and distract you, make it a point to be an explorer of beauty. What do you notice about your children that makes them special? Think about what you see, and tell them. What do you appreciate about your spouse that you have not thought about lately, or possibly have never acknowledged? Let them know, and make them feel great. What about your home is just right for you? Remind yourself of what is special about where you live.

This Week At Work

In each of your meetings, telephone conversations and hallway chats, look for one thing of beauty, novelty or curiosity. Be on the lookout for things you have not seen or considered before. Think of yourself as a student this week – keep your mind open and nimble. Listen to new ideas. Ask for more input. Welcome feedback. Be the one to look for opportunity in your interactions.

Be A Reporter

Keep a notebook with you. Write notes. Carry a camera. Take pictures. Talk to your family and colleagues. Ask questions. Be on the lookout for beauty where you have not seen it before.

And do what reporters do: Focus. Turn off the television, radio, cell phone and computer more often than you normally do this week. Drive without the radio on, and roll down your windows if possible. Wake up earlier at home. Go outside. Take another route to work. Invite someone interesting to lunch. Make a conscious effort to take a break from your routine: This is when you will notice things that you are typically moving too quickly to observe.

Look for that “burst of orange color” in all areas of your life. Be the one to see color when others might only see black and white.

Invite Your Family and Friends to Join You

And if you want your family, colleagues and friends to join you on your journey, send this column along to them. Have a great week, and let me know how it goes!

David J. Pollay is the author of “Beware of Garbage Trucks!™ - The Law of the Garbage Truck™ (www.bewareofgarbagetrucks.com).” His book, The Law of the Garbage Truck™, is due out this Fall. Mr. Pollay is a syndicated columnist with the North Star Writers Group, creator and host of The Happiness Answer™ television program and DVD, and an internationally sought after speaker. He is the founder and president of The Momentum Project, LLC (www.themomentumproject.com).

© 2008 David J. Pollay. Distributed by North Star Writers Group. May not be republished without permission.

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