Over the summer, I developed a habit of listening to audio books using the Audible app on my iPhone or iPad. Yes, I do still enjoy reading physical books, particularly at night, but I made the decision to use my time to catch up on some books I’ve been wanting to read instead of listening to the radio or watching the news while driving, folding laundry, or working in the kitchen.
One book I listened to recently was, Thrive: The Third Metric to Redefining Success and Creating a Life of Well-Being, Wisdom, and Wonder by Ariana Huffington. In her book, Huffington encourages “readers” (or in my case “listeners”) to develop their “third metric” and to work to redefine success in their lives “beyond money and power”.
One concept presented that resonated with me was creating, or recognizing, wonder in our daily lives. Huffington asks readers to pay attention to the small details that often go unnoticed or under-appreciated as we move through our day. She argues that we’ve gotten so busy in our quest for career advancement and moving ourselves, and our children, up the ladder of success that we’ve lost our sense of wonder.
So, I decided to be more intentional and to pay attention to the small details of things that delighted me. First, the faithfulness of my pet dog “Maggie” – her favorite place is in the same room with me. Not on my lap, but nearby, ready to give me a tail wag or a look in the eye. I also noticed the beauty of the handmade Shaker broom one of my sisters gave me as a gift. It’s the perfect tool for sweeping up Maggie’s hair and the ever-present crumbs of food on the kitchen floor. Made here in Kentucky, in the traditional Shaker style, it’s all a broom should be. And, finally at dinner last night, I wondered at the eyes of my 17-year-old son as he smiled and told me about how great his senior year in high school was going.
Little did I know before I read Huffington’s book that Arianna Huffington and I share the same birthday, smack dab in the middle of the summer. According to Huffington this would be no coincidence. For when we look at the world through eyes of wonder we realize there are no coincidences. It’s just up to us to open our eyes to our own well-being, wisdom, and wonder, and to not brush off coincidences as mere chance, but instead, to see them for what they are – a gift of wonder in our lives.
If you’d like to read the book: Thrive: The Third Metric to Redefining Success and Creating a Life of Well-Being, Wisdom, and Wonder
And here’s a link to the Audible audio-version of the book for your listening pleasure: Thrive: The Third Metric to Redefining Success and Creating a Life of Well-Being, Wisdom, and Wonder
Cookbook author and culinary dietitian Maggie Green coaches aspiring cookbook authors in the process of writing cookbooks, cookbook proposals, and building their author platform. Download her checklist “Am I Ready to Write A Cookbook?”.