Transformational Change Institute

Andrew and I are taking a break from painting. With our easels set up on the sidewalk, we're sitting on a bench looking out at the ocean north of the lighthouse in Santa Cruz. This morning, the ocean started out a beautiful pale sage green, and now, around noon, it's an emerald color with purple highlights. Just a few moments ago, a man walked up to us and said, "Hey, can I give you an easel?" Turns out, he'd seen us painting here on the cliffs for a while and he'd bought the expensive easel for his daughter who never used it. A few minutes later a woman walked up and asked if she could buy one of my paintings. It's been a wonderful morning, and I feel so blessed. I've noticed if I take the time to appreciate what is in my life, to really notice the clouds moving in the blue sky, the curiosity and generosity of people—and I mean deeply appreciate what's here—then more and more seems to come into my life. Am I more fortunate or do I just feel more fortunate? Does it matter? What makes a difference is not how many things you have, but how you appreciate what you have.