"Paint with a Broad Brush" by Featured Author, Elizabeth McGrath

Paint with a Broad Brush in 2015 – Appreciation

Whenever I travel for business purposes, I try to take in the local sights of the area I am temporarily visiting. I never know if I will have the good fortune of returning, so I always enjoy seeing new places!  

Having not spent a great deal of time in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, I decided to get up early and take a ferry ride. Growing up in the Land of 10,000 Lakes has always made me a lover of open water, and this was no exception. While the day was a bit cloudy and misty, the temperature was perfect for walking around and exploring. 

At the conclusion of my sightseeing, I walked out of the depot and much to my amazement, I was greeted by a stunning double rainbow. I couldn’t remember the last time I had witnessed one in person or if in fact I had ever had the pleasure. I quickly snapped a couple of pictures in order to capture the feeling of beauty I was experiencing. The sight was gorgeous and filled with symbolism – I just stood there and had what I call a “moment.”

What is a “moment” you ask?

For me, “having a moment” has become synonymous with becoming overwhelmed with and/or aware of a sense of deep appreciation.  Suddenly I am cognizant of being connected to everything and everyone at the same time.  Ahhhh…wow.  

When we truly appreciate something, we are anchored in a state of increased value, both for the object and maybe more importantly, for ourselves. Springing from this feeling of increase, we can be overcome with a deep sense of gratitude and thankfulness. When we feel this good, there is neither room for stress nor any form of negativity to enter our presence.

So I ask myself what might it take for me to carry this feeling of deep appreciation with me throughout the day?

The answer comes almost effortlessly… you must simply choose to look for it. That’s it. I decide and intend to find something to appreciate each and every day — often several times per day. In fact, the more I find things to appreciate, the better I feel. It’s really so simple. I don’t need a fine paint brush to search for details and explanations; I need a wide paint brush to cover large spaces with deep appreciation.

Let me say, I am not naïve enough to believe that this is ever easy.  I know firsthand what it is to find myself in trying situations with difficult people.  But dare I say this might be where a deliberate choice to find something to appreciate is most needed? After all, we don’t appreciate things and people because they somehow deserve or warrant it…we choose to appreciate them because it changes and transforms us.

So as we begin another year, I am challenging myself and anyone who wants to walk this road with me to pick up a wide brush and paint appreciation with broad strokes until it becomes a habit; a routine that positively impacts my relationship with myself and radiates out to the world. I can think of no better way to begin 2015.

Please join me.

Elizabeth McGrath