By Diane Lang

As I sit outside in my backyard on this lazy June day, I become mindful of everything around me. I realize all that I have is with me right here and now. I realize that on days when the glass seems half empty I should realize how full it is by pouring in some gratitude and appreciation for all I have. So, I sat still for about fifteen minutes and soaked in all that life has to offer and surprisingly it was all free of charge. This list is just a reminder of all the abundance we have in our lives at any moment. This is a reminder to live in the here and now. We are happiest when we live in the moment.

Abundance List:

  1. The clear sky with it’s bright blue coloring
  2. The sun shining
  3. The warmth that I felt on my skin on this sunny beautiful day
  4. The breeze that cooled me off
  5. The green grass that feels cool on my feet
  6. The beautiful surroundings that make me smile every time I look around me
  7. A sense of higher power – looking around at all this beauty there has to be something bigger then us
  8. My adorable 12 year old golden retriever who doesn’t seem to realize he is aging while he nudges me with his ball. This scenario always causes me to smile.
  9. The local libraries that offer me free books, movies and magazines which I took advantage of on this beautiful, lazy day
  10. The ability to read my books and use my creativity & imagination to a get a full view of the characters and the story I’m reading. There is nothing like visualizing!
  11. The freedom to choose what I want to do with my time and my life. I’m lucky to have the freedom to take the day off and enjoy it the way I please.
  12. The ability to change my perspective at any time. I have the ability to see the glass half full or empty – I choose full!
  13. The ability to laugh and smile which is contagious so pass it on. Smiling and laughing gives us an instant boost of happiness and reduce our stress.

Send me your abundance list at lifeline36@aol.com   The best part is writing the list. As you write the list, you will be in a moment of gratitude and appreciation, you will feel a boost of happiness.     

Upcoming workshops:   Tuesday, June 7 at 11am - Letting go of Anger YMCA of Burlington County at the Women’s Opportunity Center 856-234-6200 ext 224   Tuesday, June 7 at 6:30pm- Create Balance & relieve anxiety Warren Community College, NJ 908-689-7613   Tuesday, June 14 6:30pm - Happiness - Living an optimistic lifestyle Warren Community College, NJ 908-689-7613   Thursday, June 16 7pm - Free workshop - Letting go of Anger Stony Point Library, Rockland County, NY 845-786-2100   Thursday, June 23 7pm - Happiness - living an optimistic lifestyle Mystical World, Lyndhurst, NJ 201-896-3999  

For more information on Diane Lang visit her website: www.dlcounseling.com or e-mail Diane at lifeline36@aol.com