I’m currently sitting on the edge of Lake Brienz, right after a morning run, enjoying coffee in one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. There is a consistent sound of chirping birds and soft splashes from ducks and fish in the lake. It sounds like one of those overpriced CDs that help lull you to sleep. There are plants everywhere – vines growing up walls and crevices, moss covers all the trees, and pops of color in the form of flowers are in every direction you look. I’m basically in the middle of a postcard.

I don’t travel to escape. I am not the type to vacation because I “need a break”. I do not believe that living my best life only happens when I get to experience something new or lavish. I explore to gain experience, but sometimes it is travel that makes me appreciate all the aspects of my life the most. How lucky am I to not only be able to see different parts of the world but also have family and friends to come home too? How fortunate am I to know what it feels like to work so hard, for so many hours, and still be able to have moments where I can sit and do nothing but just enjoy my coffee? I truly enjoy all the moments.

No matter where you are or what you are doing, you will always have an opportunity to perceive anything as a small (or big) joy. For me, I know I can still be within a short timeframe of feeling the sun on my face or close my eyes and feel how a deep breath loosens my muscles. If I am working, I enjoy the sense of accomplishment or feeling of productivity. It doesn’t matter if it’s not my favorite thing to do. It doesn’t matter if I’m not hiking or spending my time outside (which I would do 100% of the time if I could). It creates a balance for me, and an opportunity to enjoy the small stuff. As I sit here, just taking in the details, I am noting that all the little things is what really helps me find my center. The beautiful contrast in everything life has to offer is what keeps me going.

When you find yourself getting stuck, pull back to the simple things. Keep your mind fulfilled with thoughts of what you have, in that precise moment, to be thankful for. Maybe it’s the way your shoes hug your feet. Maybe it’s the fact that you have an opportunity to learn. Whatever it is, don’t dismiss it. Embrace it. Look around you, right now. What can you take a second to appreciate?