Pay Attention to Your Life: It’s the Most Precious Asset You Have

Let’s not be so inattentive that we forget to notice the good stuff.

This is the only life you have — pay attention. Licensed under stock.adobe.com for use of photo.

Merlin, my Golden Retriever, wakes me every morning. He doesn’t waste one glorious minute.

We decided to hike the trail a few blocks from my home. It was a hot morning, so we left at dawn before the sun shone its warmth down on us as we ventured out.

For the first five minutes, Merlin must always sniff every shrub and cactus, which annoys me because my goal is to exercise. Reluctantly, I found the patience to let him enjoy the hike, too.

Finally, we’re off at a good pace — uphill we go. My mind is filled with thoughts about the article I plan on writing today, my pickleball game yesterday, and what the heck I will make for dinner tonight.

Since I was completely engrossed in my thoughts, I didn’t notice the rock poking out of the hard earth; I tripped — catching myself at the last second, saving me from a faceplant. Phew — dodged that bullet.

That near-fall was a signal — pay attention not just to where I’m placing my feet — but to all around me.

To my life.

I’m out in nature. The sun shines brilliantly, the sky is cloudless and pale blue, and…