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TAKE TIME OUT TO
WATCH THE SUNSET

A cynic might say, “Oh right, that will be really helpful, especially to a teen,” or “Could you be more superficial?” But do you know what? They’re wrong. The truth is, many of the most powerful things you can do to improve your life are also very simple—and free.

When you learn to take time out to observe nature’s beauty—sunset, sunrise, falling rain or snow, or a beautiful plant—on a regular basis, you are training yourself to slow down ever so slightly and appreciate life, beginning with the beauty around you. Like everything else, the more you do something, the better you become at it. If you keep it up, pretty soon you’ll start noticing other aspects of life that are pretty special too. Indeed, when your life is filled with gratitude, everything looks less threatening and difficult. You spend less time irritated or wishing things were different and more time enjoying yourself and your day-to-day life.

The result is that, over time, rather than taking life quite as much for granted, you’ll reexperience the magic of life. And when this happens, you’ll be far less inclined, or even tempted, to search for artificial or harmful ways to create this magic. You won’t need them because you’ll already have it.

But that’s not the only reason to take time out (every day) to watch the sunset. As you take time out to observe and appreciate the beauty in life, not only will you feel happier and more nourished, but others around you will be influenced by your attitude as well. By way of example, it’s as if you give permission to others to do the same thing.

I asked seventeen-year-old Jessica to take a few extra minutes a day to go out of her way to appreciate beauty—the sunset or some other type of nature. She reported back to me that within a few days, her family life had become noticeably calmer. Her parents, even her kid brother, started by asking her what she was doing and, very quickly, began following her lead and taking time out themselves.

What seems to happen is that as “the appreciation factor” kicks in, the stress in the entire household is reduced. For a moment, everyone is calm, perhaps silent. Perspective is enhanced. There is less rushing around and less frantic behavior. The appreciation acts as a kind of reset button, giving everyone a fresh start. When business as usual resumes a minute or two later, the atmosphere is more balanced.

I hope you’ll start this strategy right away. You’ll love the beauty you’re going to see as well as the way it makes you feel.