“This is my wish for you: Comfort on difficult days, smiles when sadness intrudes, rainbows to follow the clouds, laughter to kiss your lips, sunsets to warm your heart, hugs when spirits sag, beauty for your eyes to see, friendships to brighten your being, faith so that you can believe, confidence for when you doubt, courage to know yourself, patience to accept the truth, love to complete your life.” lynnie buttercup – London

I loved this quote. Thank you, Lynnie from London. Sometimes we lose sight of the simple things. Often these are things that just exist. They come into our everyday lives softly, like a gentle rain or a warm breeze. Our heart is touched in ways we didn’t know possible.   I was recently driving through the country, and noticed the green grass and trees, fields with new corn stalks popping through the ground, the wide open spaces of rural Missouri. I came down a hill and in front of me was the most beautiful valley, stretching for miles, framed by the blue sky with fluffy clouds. There was a sense of peace and comfort —- all is well. It was a simple treasure, yet gave me great pleasure.

We often miss these things that are simple joys.  Observing a friend smile, watching Molly stretch to have her tummy rubbed, giving and receiving a genuine hug, looking at the flowers blooming, a kind word of encouragement from someone who cares about you, hearing a child giggle, a genuine thank you, or walking at sunset with a friend.  There are a million more of these. They surround us – right in front of our noses. They are treasures, free, abundant, and always available to us.

I have a friend who is having a hard time. She is working for a terror of a boss.  Maybe some of you are also having a rough patch. Often when life seems insurmountable, we find ourselves looking for the fireworks, wow moments, or dramatic changes. Maybe it would make be easier if we took a moment and simply looked for something to shine light into the dark corners of our world. Simple treasures can do that for us.  What simple thing can I see, hear, feel, smell, taste, know or do that makes this moment better. Just stopping and taking the time to notice the treasure will make the sun a little brighter or the day calmer. What have we got to lose?  Nothing  —- we have much to gain in personal health and well-being. Please take care of yourself! You are also a treasure!!