10 Beautiful Things About Life

When is the last time you sat back and contemplated this wonderful world and life in which we live?

When was the last time you listed all the things you were grateful for?  Or the blessings you have and/or been given?

As I watched the sun come up over Mauna Kea as I stood inline to start my Ironman race on the Big Island of Hawaii this last weekend, I could not help but think of the beauty all around me and in our lives. 

Here are 10 beautiful things about life...

1. The love of your family.  When it comes down to it, they will be there through it all.
2. The unbelievable love and devotion of a dog.  I don't need to say much here.  If you have one, you understand.
3. The feeling you get and the impact you have when you make a difference in someone's life and care for them.
4. The feeling and "high" you receive when you set, work toward, and achieve a big goal.
5. Watching the sunrise anywhere you wake up in the world and being grateful for another day.
6. The innocence and simple wisdom of children.
7. How you can always learn something new and it seems we know everything and nothing at the same time.
8. The anticipation, excitement and joy of the holiday season (and birthdays for some)
9. A good book, a good movie, and a good time.
10. Knowing that the chances of being alive are 1 in 4 Trillion and that God put you here for a reason and you have a purpose - even if you don't know what it is yet.  The beautiful thing is finding it.