4. Visualize best possible outcome of an aspect of your life. Give it as much detail as you possibly can: color, texture, scent, temperature, touch, sound, and most especially wonderful, ecstatic, positive feelings associated with your beautiful picture. Then let go of your attachment to “how” it’s all supposed to work out, and let Divine take care of details. Meanwhile, you’re listening for gentle nudges of your intuition and bravely taking small steps every day on path to your heart’s desire.

5. Consciously focus on “Fun Factor.” Sometimes we get so wrapped up in “doing” it right, that we forget to “be” appreciative for all wonderful things that already exist in our lives. Your creative desires are a gift to be savored and explored, they hold a key to limitless possibilities. Invest some time seeking your joy and discovering it delightedly and unabashedly.

6. Do something pleasurable and nourishing for your physical body- do it mindfully, with awareness that you are deliberately appreciating and nurturing your wonderful self! Eat some healthy, delicious food; go for a brisk walk; or soak your feet in a bath of epsom salts and a few drops of a favorite essential oil.

Watch how power of gratitude works to create peace, beauty and joy in your life!

A short while later, crowd rose to its feet, cheering Dave to another victory, followed by scattered applause for every athlete who crossed finish line after him. It wasn’t long before Bouncer was only one left on track, running all by herself.

That poor kid, I thought. What must she be feeling? Why didn't she just give up? There was nothing at stake now, and nothing to be gained by finishing so far behind pack. Still, Bouncer never faltered, and her serene expression never changed.

After what seemed like an eternity, Bouncer finally approached final turn, a full five minutes behind even slowest runner. But then, something strange began to happen. As Bouncer entered home stretch, a cheer began to rise up from bleachers. It rose and swelled, growing louder with each stride Bouncer took toward finish line until, finally, every person in stands, regardless of which team they'd come to support, stood and cheered as if fate of entire meet hinged on this one lone girl, bouncing toward finish line.

The Bouncer turned on no extra burst of speed or big kick down straightaway. She just continued to run exactly as she’d been doing from opening gun, smiling so sweetly that it made my heart ache. But as she neared finish line, roar of crowd could be heard echoing throughout valley. And in midst of all that noise and celebration, mighty, invincible Dave walked out onto track and held out his arm to slap Bouncer's hand as she crossed finish line.

It was an incredible moment.

I've seen hundreds of races since that day, and I've seen thousands of runners cross finish line. But I've never seen anything that embodied true spirit of victory as I watched on that warm spring so long ago, when I saw a race won—and I mean won—by an ungainly girl I had laughingly called Bouncer.

So here's to you, Bouncer, wherever you may be, and may your smile always be as sweet as it was on that day.

© 2004. Gary E. Anderson. All rights reserved.