Are you aware of this?

My first awareness of my limited awareness hit me in my Journalism 101 class in high school. The teacher had us close our eyes and tell him where the nearest electrical outlet was, describe what a certain person was wearing, name objects found in the room, and so on.

The exercise was designed to introduce young would-be journalists to the need of developing their awareness.

I received much greater training about awareness as I studied clinical counseling and clinical psychology.

Many of us who think we’re fairly aware people might be surprised at how much we miss around us.

We tend to take better note of what’s missing rather than what really is in our surroundings.

We may mildly note, for a brief period, if there’s joy in our lives, but we’re quite aware when it’s absent.

We often pay no heed to our being happy, but are very aware of when we’ aren’t.

We often miss the fact that we may be blessed, but we highlight those times when it feels like we aren’t.

We take our health for granted, until we note with keenness our health slipping away.

There are times when we need to be aware of what’s missing in our lives; sometimes it’s vital to note, then seek, what’s missing. But more often, having a heightened awareness of what isn’t in our lives and giving little heed to what we have tends to make us less appreciative and more self-centered.

What if we turned that around?

How would it affect your life if you gave a little more attention to what really is in your life, and a little less attention to what’s not there?

You may find yourself a little more content, a bit more fulfilled, and a lot more grateful.

Scotty