How I Create a Positive Outlook: Finding the Extra in the Ordinary

“Ordinary people believe only in the possible. Extraordinary people visualize not what is possible or probable, but rather what is impossible. And by visualizing the impossible, they begin to see it as possible” -Cherie Carter Scott

“You can find something truly important in an ordinary minute.” -Mitch Albom

“Extraordinary magic is woven through ordinary life. Look around!”-Amy Leigh Mercree

If you are like me, you want an extraordinary life. Ever since leaving college, I wanted to create an amazing life for myself and others. I wanted to experience adventure and awesome memories. I wanted to take trips and have exciting moments each and everyday. I began cultivating these beliefs from listening to motivational speakers on Youtube. They made it clear that I could create anything in life if I set my mind to it. Reality set in quickly however. After graduating, I realized that adventure and extraordinary moments do not happen every day. I had to start job searching and working full-time. I was forced to take on new responsibilities: managing expenses, doing laundry, cooking meals. Normal adult stuff, right? It quickly became a drag. The humdrum days of life can overwhelm adults if we allow them to. As adults, we work a job, go home, eat dinner, workout (maybe), and spend time with our families (if we have one). The routine and normal can creep in quite easily. Can you relate?

If so, read on! Over time, I have realized that we can change our experiences and tone to our days with how we look at the world around us. I came to this realization through personal reflection and learning. We can control our perspective and determine how to show up in everyday moments. Call it being present. Call it gratitude. Call it stopping to smell the roses. Call it whatever you want. Basically, our lives and experiences will be enriched if we decide to enjoy the simple parts of life. To turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. Sound too good to be true? Consider these examples.

Have you ever sat quietly during the day with a hot coffee or tea. Just you and your hot drink. No distractions. Simply sitting there and enjoying a simple pleasure. Can you imagine how this is different from drinking a coffee while driving and listening to the radio?

Or, consider a leisurely walk in your neighborhood. Have you ever taken a short walk and just appreciated everything you sensed? Have you taken a moment to appreciate the fresh air you breathe and the warm breeze blowing against your face? Can you visualize the bright sun and shadows that make the day extra beautiful? Can you imagine how this is different from rushing from one task to another without basking in the extraordinary miracle of nature right outside your door?

OK final one. Think about the last time you ate a meal without a single distraction around you. No crowds in a restaurant. No cell phones, computers, music, or electronic devices. Justa simple, quiet meal at the kitchen table surrounded by your family. Think about the calmness of the moment. Think about the smells and tastes from the meal. Does it seem different? Does the experience feel more pronounced compared to a rushed and loud dinner? You just experienced an extraordinary moment during a normal activity.

What do you think would happen if you considered to show up this way? What if you saw work as a blessing and a journey instead of a drag? Whatf you saw exercise as a privilege and enjoyable activity? Whatif you greeted the day with appreciating the miracle of life rather than rushing into the dailyto dos? My theory: your life would become more exciting, vibrant, and more fulfilling. Your day wold run more smoothly. Your mood and experiences will improve. 

To summarize, life is a gift. Each day is a blessing and a miracle it of itself. It can be easy to get bogged down by the ordinary activities in our day to day. However, with intention and attention, we can change the perspective. We can view the ordinary moments as truly beautiful and miraculous. I encourage you to begin looking at your day with a deep appreciation and how wonderful each and everymoment can be. As Always, Eat, move, and Improve!