When life gets hectic, take a tip from nature: reflect.

Isn’t this photo peaceful, and yet intriguing? The details in the reflection draw us in as we seek to determine which part is the water/reflection and where the “real” trees begin. Reality and reflection blend harmoniously and invite us to simply relax and enjoy the show.

I love nature photos and I was happy to find this one online to share with you. I don’t know where the lake or river is, other than realizing the picture was taken somewhere on this planet Earth. That does narrow the territory, doesn’t it?

Actually, I love nature and I love my garden. I’m fortunate to have a spectacular view from my office window of trees, hills, and a cityscape in the distance. No matter how busy my day is, I can take a few moments to pause and look outside, or go outdoors with my dogs, and reflect not only on where I am today, but also on what I can do next toward achieving the goals I have set for myself. Right now, I’m working on a new screenplay, two new books, and promoting my stress-relief products through my web sites and teleseminars. I’m busy! But I firmly believe that life is here for us to enjoy, and I make time for that as well. It’s important to stay balanced.

Building in the time to “reflect” will help you stay on track with your goals.

If you keep your focus entirely on doing the stack of work on your desk or checking off errands on your massive, never-ending “To Do” List, you will get stressed out very quickly. We simply aren’t constructed to run like robots. We NEED our soul food!

Quiet time for reflection and meditation doesn’t have to be a big formal event, and it doesn’t even have to take much time out of the day.

If you feel tense, worried and anxious, try taking a “3-Minute Break” — use the time to simply breathe slowly and deeply, relax your shoulders, look at something pretty in nature — either go outside if you can, or look at photos.

Make a collection of nature pictures on your computer and run the slide show.

Keep a living plant in your work area and use the 3 minutes to carefully study the intricacy of each leaf, stem and petal. Empty your mind of all other thoughts except to marvel at the plant! Realize that the One who created this amazing plant (that’s so easy to take for granted and forget to even water) is also Your Creator and wants you to thrive and be happy. (As do I!)

your happiness guru,

Evelyn