We Are Surrounded By . . .

You are the only one who has the answer to "Today's Treasure".  Your answer could lead you on a treasure hunt to a more peaceful and productive journey.
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Fill in the blank.
We are surrounded by __________________

What is the first thing that comes to mind? 

Choose your word before you scroll down!

Simply answering this question can say a lot about who we are, our stress level, and how we spend our time. Does your answer represent something wonderful you value and appreciate, or something you fear? Is it something in the present moment or does is involve things that relate to the past or the future? Does your answer direct you to action for improvement or simply more frustration? 

I recently asked this question in a training and the answers were as varied as the people in the room.
Here are a few - 

• Nature
• Clutter
• Media Manipulation
• Marketing
• Friends
• Technology
• Bad news
• Opportunities
• Work to do/unfinished projects
• Crime and violence
• Beauty
• Idiots
• Love
• Wonder

Answers were as varied as the differences in people and their points of view. There were examples of both half empty and half full. Some people felt hopeful, others hopeless. 

If you thought of something positive, you will attract more of it into your life. Congratulations! What we focus our attention on increases. This is a universal law, first recognized by the ancient philosophers and it continues today with Mike Dooley, Deepak Chopra and other great thinkers of our time. 

With all of the concerns in the world right now, we undoubtedly need to pay attention and be aware of injustice. There are many parallels to things we've seen play out in history. Turning our heads, denying and being naive and uninvolved won't serve us well. 

But we need to be cognizant of whether we can (and will) take action, or whether we will allow concerns and frustrations to continue to instill worn out messages playing over and over in our heads. If we don't, or won't, take action, our stress will continue. 

If we can't think of any action that will improve our situation, we need to simply let go and focus our attention on what is in the realm of our possibilities. 

The Serenity Prayer
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
courage to change the things I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference.
~ Reinhold Niebuhr
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​If you've followed my blog for long, you can probably guess my answer. Treasures. They are everywhere! Some are hidden but many are right in front of us. Either way, aren't we blessed? If I didn't focus on my blessings, I wouldn't have the strength or the energy to address things that concern me. 

Hopefully, you'll be able to direct most of your attention to the beauty and abundance that surrounds us, and have the optimism and energy left to find out how to make a difference. We are living in challenging times and we need positive, caring people to join forces and take action.