Pegged by the hot dog guy

My husband and I went up town yesterday to have one of our favorite lunches ~ hot dogs down by Lake Michigan. We went to our favorite hot dog vendor and while we were chatting with him he told us something really interesting. He knows things about people based on what they put on their hot dogs. I know this is true because he had already asked me if I liked my sweets (and those of you who know me know how much I've always loved sugar ~ Yes, I can eat a 6 pack of Pez without blinking an eye and still crave more).

And that's a skill we can all learn, not eating Pez but noticing things and seeing relationships. In fact, it's one of the most helpful things I've learned in my life to help me create better relationships and bring more happiness into my life. I've learned to pay attention to how I feel or react to something and what that means. I've noticed that if I read one 'beach book' it's fun but if I start reading 2, 3 or 4 back to back it affects my mindset and my thoughts tend to become more negative. I've watched my children and know when to answer their concerns and get into a big discussion and when to just let them blow off some steam or change the course of the conversation.

By noticing little things, small shifts in feeling or body language, I have learned a lot and made my life easier and happier. I can 'nip things in the bud' and make adjustments before they become a problem. I can find ideas and discover inspiration. It's not hard, it just takes a little time and a willingness to look, listen and feel.