I just ordered a book called “The Year I Stopped to Notice,” by Miranda Keeling. 

I ordered it not because I need a reminder to stop and notice things, but because I, too, am forever stopping to notice things. I’m curious to see what kinds of things this author noticed when she decided to be intentional about it.

Flowers usually demand my notice — rhododendrons are show-offy and wonderful, especially the purple ones. There are little red berries popping out on the hedge at The Suite Spot. Fireweed buds are forming, and straw-like orange flowers grace the rocks by the middle school. 

This week I stood by a patch of clover warmed by the sun and the scent was delicious and overwhelming. So, too, the powerful aroma of fresh-cut grass at the post office.

The variations in the colors of the water, clouds and sky deserve notice. More than once, I have looked up from a book and gasped at the painted sunset — it’s so easy to miss when you’re not looking.

It’s easy to miss whales and deer, but oh the pure delight when you do spot them.

I recently spent time with a friend, and while we were shopping, I noticed that every time a cashier asked if she wanted a receipt, she’d say, “Your smile is enough of a receipt for me.” I also noticed that I found that kind of annoying after two or three times.

It’s not enough to have eyes to see, ears to ear, a nose to smell. It’s about taking the time to pay attention, to experience the joy, the wonder, the awe, the irritation.

There is so much that calls for our attention; we live in a busy, noisy world. Our phones are often a black hole of attention, with ringtones and chimes and notification alerts. 

We have schedules and meetings and to-do lists. We have dogs to walk and meals to prepare and great basketball and hockey and baseball games to watch. 

Still, it’s important to stop, take a breath and notice what’s going on around you. It’s too easy to take all that is around us for granted. It’s the opposite of FOMO, Fear of Missing Out. It’s missing out because you never knew it was there in the first place.

Noticing was such an overlooked element of her life that a woman made a point of doing it for a whole year, to write a book about it. May we be inspired to follow her lead.  

It doesn’t mean you will appreciate every little thing, but it does give you the opportunity to engage it, experience it and respond to it all. Put yourself on notice.