With everyone always on the go-go-go and technology replacing human contact, how often do we truly step back for a moment and notice the world around us? We are so busy with our iPods, cell phones and computers to literally “stop and smell the roses”. How many of us notice the little things in life that are all around us, from a flower about the bloom to a baby’s laugh. Or the smell of something really good cooking to the beautiful array of colors at sun set.
How often do we notice the people around us? How often do we take notice of those who have touched our lives in ways big or small? Regardless of who you are and what your life circumstances are someone has touched you in some positive way. Perhaps it was a teacher in school who motivated you to reach for your dreams? Or maybe it was a friend you had when you were a child who was always there for you no matter what. Each one of us has special people in our lives who helped to shape us into who we are today.
There is a wonderful book written by best selling author Andy Andrews called The Noticer. The Noticer is about a mysterious man who sweeps into town. Everyone one he speaks to helps them to “see” what is right in front of them and to understand why things happen and what we can do to change them. He notices things about the people in town that they were unable to notice themselves.
“When we notice things about ourselves and other people that allow us all to regroup, take a breath, and begin our lives again, the best is surely yet to come,” writes Andrews in The Noticer.
I really enjoyed this book. It really made me realize that how much we impact the lives of others, even if we don’t clearly see that happening. You touch the lives of others each and every day. Sometimes you might not even realize that you had such an impact on someone that you could actually help change their lives. It’s like that expression “It’s the little things that mean so much”.
Here is a great 3 minute video about The Noticer.
Based upon the concept of the book, The Noticer, The Noticer Project was developed. The Noticer Projects asks people to take notice of five people who have had the biggest impact on your life.
This was a tough one for me. I can think of many people who changed my life. If I had to narrow it down to just five I’d have to say.
– My husband. We have been through a lot and he’s always been there for me, through good times and bad times. He is my rock. He can always find the rainbow in a storm.
– Sammy. Sammy is the MOST AMAZING young lady I have ever met. While other teens are out buying the latest techie gadget, make up or CD’s, Sammy was out raising funds and awareness for things like Cancer, Stop Smoking, donating teddy bears to children in crisis, and Habitat for Humanity. She actually raised $10,000 for the Relay for Life!
– Kasey. Dear sweet Kasey. He passed away on February 4th 2009 after a long courageous battle against brain cancer. He was such a fighter. He stayed strong until the end. He never lost that wonderful smile. He is my hero.
– My friend Lexi. Although we have never met face to face (we’re online friends) she’s always a good shoulder to cry on. She’s always been so good to me. She is just a very special woman. I am proud and happy to call her my friend.
– My cousin Cindy. She was more like a sister to me then a cousin. All my childhood memories had her in them. When I look back on my younger years I can’t help but smile when I think about all the wild and crazy things we did. She made my childhood memories great.
Who are the five special people in your life that you would like to “notice”? Visit The Noticer Project (click here or go to www.TheNoticerProject.com) to tell those special people in your life how much you appreciate the little things and how much you noticed how they touched your life in a special way.
You can follow The Noticer Project on Facebook (click here) or on Twitter (click here).
