To Be Observant Is To Be Wise

When I was smaller, I’d look at my feet while I walked around. One day I was visiting my Grandma Stucki and she said, “If you keep looking down like that the whole world is going to pass you by and you’ll never know it.”

Since that day, I’ve worked very hard to be observant. It’s funny how grandma’s can offer one line of advice and have it be remembered forever. I just enjoy noticing things now and I believe it has made my life more enjoyable. I don’t need to be obsessive compulsive but observing also allows my mind to stay busy so I can keep my “Rule Of Two Things.”

You can be visually observant in everyday little things. For instance:

• Whenever I go to a movie, I pay attention to what kind of people are sitting where. I note where the younger smaller people are and whether they are with older siblings or parents. That way, if they are making noise when the lights go down, I know whether it’s ok to throw an empty threat that way or not.
• When I enter the men’s bathroom, I’m always sure to use the urinal furthest from the air freshener on the wall. That way, when you hear the freshener rev up to puff the fragrance, you aren’t “tethered” to a nearby urinal and covered in “Lavender Potpourri” scent.

Granted, those are little things, but they are just two examples of things I notice now. Being observant goes much further than movie seats and bathroom scents.

Being observant of your surroundings will offer you more opportunities to serve others. You will see what they need and how best to offer it.

One thing I do is keep a list of things people enjoy. That way, when Christmas and birthdays come around I’m able to offer a gift that I know will be appreciated.

I’m glad that grandma was observant enough of me to offer her advice and change my life.