Anna Quindlen wrote a great little book several years ago with the title A Short Guide to a Happy Life.

The book is one of my favorite gifts to give – it’s exactly fifty pages of her inspiring prose interspersed with beautiful photos of people living their very ordinary but full lives.

The premise is simple. It follows my own philosophy: Enjoy life, know what’s important, cherish the ones you love and know that you are uniquely you. Know that each day is a gift.

New Mexico wildflowers
New Mexico Sunflowers

The bottom line is that life is short and we’re all in this together, so treat each other with kindness and live each day fully by paying attention. As Quindlen says on page 41:  “C’mon let’s be honest. We have an embarrassment of riches.  Life is good.”

My favorite part is the last page, where Quindlen tells a story of interviewing a homeless man who lived primarily on the boardwalk of Coney Island, hanging out there regardless of the weather.

When she asked him why he didn’t go to a shelter or check himself into a center for detox, he turned to the ocean and said, “Look at the view, young lady.  Look at the view.”

Quindlen writes: “And every day, in some little way, I try to do what he said. I try to look at the view. That’s all. Words of wisdom from a man without a dime in his pocket, no place to go, nowhere to be. Look at the view. When I do what he said, I am never disappointed.”

Eloquent words and incredibly true. My life is filled with an embarrassment of riches  – healthy kids and grandkids, great friends, a partner who supports me in whatever crazy endeavor I find myself, family I love, and a place to live that fills my soul with breathtaking views every day.

Church in Cleveland, New Mexico

Spring in New Mexico is just another excuse to stop and look at the view. A quick little walk around my neighborhood, a ride on Sky Railway, a drive through Wagon Mound and then the Canadian River Canyon on my way to a Logan, a hike on the Rail Trail.

That’s my suggestion for the day (and the week and the year):  Look at the view.  

Whether it’s the sunlight playing off your toddler’s hair or the juxtaposition of new buds on your aspens against the blue New Mexico sky, take time to look at the view. You won’t be disappointed.

New Mexico Art Museum, Santa Fe

I’d love to hear about your favorite New Mexico view.

One Reply to “Life in New Mexico: Look at the view”

  1. It’s not the splendid sunsets; the red rock canyons ; the brilliant blue skies. My favorite New Mexico view is the Ocotillo cactus sprouting tippy toppy bright orange flowers against the desert gray sand.
    Unparalleled simplicity and deeply appreciated.

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