5 benefits of awesome things (& an awesome giveaway!)

 

I recently read that "Awesomeness is not a privilege, but the full bloom of a seed that grows within us, that rewards us upon fulfilling one potential after another," and I don't think I could have said it better. Awesomeness is, well, awesome. We love being awesome and we love things that seem awesome to us. Because we're all so different, things that we believe are awesome can be very different as well. Sometime I might like a lot may not appeal to others and vice versa. However, recently I had the privilege of reading the The Book of Awesome, written by Neil Pasricha, author of the blog 1000 Awesome Things and it's helped me to realize that there are a lot of things that people generally find to be awesome -- no matter who they are. For example, here are some of my favorite awesome things from Neil's book: 

 

 

 

• Seeing a cop on the side of the road and realizing you're going the speed limit anyway (rarely happens to me, but it's AWESOME when it does!)
  
  
• Tripping and realizing no one saw you (happens to me WAY too often!)
  
  
• Catching someone singing in their car and laughing with them (I'm usually the one singing, but it's still pretty awesome...)
  
  
• Laughing so hard you make no sound at all (the very best kind of laughter, in my opinion!)
  
  
• Hanging your hand out the car window (such a great one for these spring days!)
  
  
• Celebrating your pet's birthday even though they have no idea what's going on (did that this week for Bella's 6th birthday and, let's just say, it was AWESOME)

 

 

Reading Neil's book has shown me not only that there are a lot of awesome things in the world, but that a lot of people think the same things are awesome. We have more in common than we realize, which, in and of itself, is pretty awesome. As I was reading the book, I thought to myself, "It makes me really happy to think about awesome things!" and it was then that I realized that there are a lot of benefits to thinking about the things that are awesome in your life. Here are some of the benefits of finding the awesome things in life... 

 

The Benefits of Looking for Awesome

 

1. You're focusing on the positive. When you're looking for things that are awesome, you'll find yourself opening your mind to the positive things around you. After reading Neil's book, I thought to myself, "What other things can I find that are awesome?" The more I started thinking about it, the more I would come up with. The more I was looking for awesomeness, the more I was focusing on all of the great things -- both big and small -- in my life. 
   
   

2. You're practicing gratitude. By looking for things that are awesome, you are indirectly practicing gratitude in your life. You're looking around and identifying all of the things you find awesome and, in a way, you are becoming thankful for them just by noticing them. Though you might not directly think you are thankful for these things, but addressing their awesomeness, you are highlighting their worth and appreciating them in your life. 
   
   

3. You're being more mindful. Paying attention to awesome things means paying attention in general. If you're looking for things that are really awesome for you then you're paying attention to what's going on around you. In essence, you're living in the moment. Looking for awesome things means paying attention and paying attention means living in the moment -- which is a pretty awesome way to live. 
   
   

4. You're identifying what matters to you. When you read Neil's book (and you really should!), you'll probably identify with a lot of things in there. I definitely thought to myself on more than one occasion, "Yes! That's really awesome!" When you are looking for awesome things in your own life, you're helping yourself to be better understand what matters to you. While a lot of us might share the same love of some things, we are also very unique. Looking for awesome things helps you, in a way, look for yourself. 
   
   

5. You're reinforcing the good. Not only are you tuning into the positive aspects of your life and the world when you're on a quest for awesome things, but you're also reinforcing the idea that there truly is goodness in the world every time you find an awesome thing. The more awesome things I find (and I find a lot now that I'm on the look out for them!), the more I realize how good things really are. Even when things are bad, awesome things can be found, and, in searching for them, I feel as if I reinforce the idea that this world really is a good place. 

If you haven't already ordered a copy of Neil's book (and I know some of you already have!), I highly recommend you do so. Not only will the book prompt you to begin your own quest for awesomeness, but it will also do a few other awesome things: teach you new things (I actually got some great tips from the book!), make you realize you're not alone in some of the quirky things you find to be awesome, and, most importantly, it will make you laugh. It really is a laugh-out-loud book (and it's even better if you can read it with someone else so be sure to share The Book of Awesome love!).

As you see from the list above, there are quite a few benefits to looking for the awesome in your life. Whether you realize it or not, looking for awesome things in your life can have a lot of positive benefits. So, I'm going to help you out by asking you to think about what's awesome in your life. Spend some time today contemplating what YOU think is awesome. 

 What do you think is really, really awesome? 

 (Answer this question and follow the rules below and you could have a chance to WIN!) 

The Giveaway

What could be more AWESOME than a free book?  Want to enter for a chance to win The Book of Awesome? Here are the rules... 

Leave a comment below with the following information: 
 

•  
  • Tell me something that you think is really, really awesome
  • Include your email address so I can contact you if you win

Leave an extra comment for each of the following things you do: 

•  
  • Subscribe to Positively Present's RSS feed
  • Receive Positively Present via email
  • Follow @positivepresent on Twitter
  • Mention this post on a social media site
  • Email friends/family about this post
  • Stumble this post on StumbleUpon

Remember, the more comments you leave, the more chances you have to win, so make sure to leave extra comments if you do any of the things listed above. The winner will be picked at random on Monday, April 12, 2010 and will be announced on Wednesday, April 14, 2010. (**Don't forget to leave your email in your comments so I can contact the winner.**)

Comments

[Michelle]

Something I think is really awesome is when my kids don't think I'm listening and they are being extra NICE to one another. I love that :)

[Susie]

I think this book sounds wonderful! thanks so much for the giveaway!
one thing that I think is awesome is that right now every tree in my little town is blossoming, and they are all BEAUTIFUL!

my email is susie.sweetland@gmail.com

Also I did send this to some friends and family :)

[J.D. Meier]

I think that's a better list of favorite things than "Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens ..."

Being mindful, figuring out what floats your boat, and reinforcing the good is the way to go!

[Lorena]

Seresity thank you for stopping by my blog and commenting :) Will update on how that dress turned out !
This was a refreshing post...
I think that it is really, really awesome that I planted a seed that flew into my apartment and now it's about 5 inches tall ! ... although I don't know what it is (guess it's a tall tree with flowers)
my email is rodgari@hotmail.com

[positively present]

Michelle - I don't have any kids myself, but that definitely sounds like it would be awesome to witness that!

Susie - All around me trees are blooming too and it's absolutely awesome. I love spring!

J.D. - Yes, it's definitely better than the old song. It's a great book filled with tons of awesomeness -- and it's funny too!

Lorena - How exciting that your seed is growing. That's definitely awesome!

[Rachel Johnson]

I run a website and I answer a lot of support email. It is usually all about problems or conflicts, but it is awesome when I get an email complimenting my site! That makes my day!

Thanks for the awesome chance to win!

[RisaJ]

AWESOME me to is...driving to work on Thursday morning and smelling the cinnamon bread baking at the local bakery.
email - risajohnson@gmail.com

thanks for this AWESOME giveaway!

[positively present]

Rachel - I'm sure running a website is tough so it must certainly be an awesome feeling when you get a complimentary email!

Risa - That sounds wonderful. I'd love to experience that on my way to work! :)

[Benny]

I'm training for a half-marathon in May. It's my first road race in 3 years & I'm psyched! Also, in the spirit of spreading positive vibes, I'm going to smile & say hi to as many strangers on the street!

Thank you so much!

[Rachael]

I think mail is beyond awesome. Not bills. But letters or cards packages...even better when the package isn't something you bought but a gift (especially a just because I was thinking of you gift).

[Rachael]

And I subscribe via RSS

I think mail is beyond awesome. Not bills. But letters or cards packages...even better when the package isn't something you bought but a gift (especially a just because I was thinking of you gift).

rachaelclayson at gmail

Thank you!

[positively present]

Benny - That's awesome! My boyfriend is in the process of training for a marathon so I see what kind of hard work that is. Good for you for dedicating yourself to that goal! It's awesome!

Rachael - I agree that real mail -- letter and cards -- are very, very awesome. I love when I receive surprise things in the mail. (I'll put your name in twice -- thanks for subscribing via RSS!)

[Eran - The Quarterlife Quest]

Putting clean sheets on your bed, especially if they've hung to dry outside in the sunshine - AWESOME!

eran@thequarterlifequest.com

[Eran - The Quarterlife Quest]

I currently subscribe by RSS and I also follow on Twitter - do those count if I already do them?

[Syd]

Awesome to me is being on my boat with the sails trimmed just right and feeling her move through the water, smelling the salt air, and seeing dolphins following alongside. That is what living is!
My email is sydlaughs@att.net

[Eran - The Quarterlife Quest]

I also re-tweeted this posting on my Twitter!

[positively present]

Eran - I love putting clean sheets on my bed. It's such a great feeling to get into a bed with clean sheets! It definitely counts even if you already subscribe on Twitter/RSS, so that's 4 for you! :)

Syd - That definitely sounds like awesomeness!

[Hope F.]

Awesome-Going to do some odious task (eg, wash a sink full of 2 days worth of dishes) and finding that someone else has already done the task for you and the spot looks pristine and lovely. Soooo Awesome!

[Jarrod @ Optimistic Journey]

The things that we focus our time and energy on is what we'll get more out of in life! If we look for the awesomeness in life then awesome things or opportunities will manifest into our lives.

Great post! Thanks for sharing the information!!

[Carrie]

Finding a truck that sells the most delicious cupcakes, right outside of your hotel as you're walking out to explore the city (happened to me two weeeks ago!!)...

silvertoez{at}hotmail{dot}com

[Jaclyn Reynolds]

Painting a room and loving the new color.

[Miriam Wallace]

hugs and kisses from two-year-old grand daughter

[Laura Cococcia]

Just finished the book - so I'll let someone else win the giveaway! Fab review Dani!!! Highly recommend it to everyone who's a Positively Present fan!

[Shanna Strong]

I love when it is absoulutely pouring rain and you drive under an overpass, and for a few seconds there is complete silence! so awesome!
shanna_strong@hotmail.com

[positively present]

Hope - That's a great one! Such a good feeling when someone does a chore you really don't want to do.

Jarrod - It's so true. We get what we focus on so we should spend our time focusing on awesomeness!

Carrie - Yum! Finding a cupcake truck sounds like something very awesome!

Jaclyn - Awesome! It's definitely a bonus when you love the color you just painted a room.

Miriam - Aww, that's a sweet one. Definitely awesome!

Laura - Thank you! I'm so glad you liked the rewive. I agree that readers will love this book!

Shanna - I agree! That's such an awesome sound of silence!

[Greg Blencoe]

Hi Dani,

I loved ths part:

"Laughing so hard you make no sound at all (the very best kind of laughter, in my opinion!)"

No doubt!

And the book sounds really good. As far as what I think is really, really awesome, my answer is so many people in the personal development blogging community!

Also, I really like the contest. Very creative, you are already getting lots get lots of comments.

[Shipra]

What's really awesome? LIFE.

=)

indigirl96@aol.com

[Kols]

Thanks for such a lovely post.

One thing that I think awesome is the innocent mischief you find in the eyes of children.

My email - kolammal@gmail.com

[T]

Riding a bicycle instead of driving a car, I am free to stop on a dime to dive into a patch of clover to come up with one (or two, or seventeen) of the four-leaved variety. Life is much freer on a bike. And doesn't the spelling of "freer" look queer...lol.

[Topi]

I think it's awesome when you see something awesome, and realise that someone else also thinks it's awesome, and you get to share that moment where you are both in complete understanding with each other. It's even more awesome when it's a complete stranger, because it lets you register another kindred spirit out there.
Topi
topigirl73@gmail.com

[positively present]

Greg - I'm glad you liked the laughing one I picked out. It was one of my favorites from the book for sure! I agree that the blogging community is awesome too. Glad you liked the contest!

Shipra - GREAT one! Life is VERY awesome!

Kols - Oh, I like that one too. Great idea for something awesome!

T - Life definitely sounds a lot freer on a bike...And, I agree, the word "freer" is a little odd looking, which makes it awesome!

Topi - I agree with you 100%. Sharing something awesome is one of the awesomest things out there -- and, as you said, it's even better when it's with a stranger!

[Steph]

drawing a sad face on your plaster, instantly makes me laugh, and every time I look at it I laugh.... awesome!

[Steph]

getting completely soaked in rain, the kind of rain you could wash your hair in!
lovepeaceandchocolate[at]hotmail[dot]com

[Steph]

when you think you did really really bad on a test paper and getting an 'A' on it!!
lovepeaceandchocolate[at]hotmail[dot]com

[positively present]

Steph - Those are great awesome things. Thanks for sharing them. I'll add your name to the drawing for your 3 entries!

[sara]

spring cleaning is awesome!

[sara]

so are taking walks in this gorgeous spring weather!

[sara]

and lastly! sunglasses are awesome!

my email is leechesandcream at yahoo dot com ! and i am following you twitter and a member of your email list! yay! positivity!

[positively present]

Sara - I'm also a huge fan of spring cleaning, springtime walks, and sunglasses. I definitely have spring fever right now! Thanks for following on Twitter and signing up for email alerts. I love the support of positivity! Double yay!

[Topi]

Hi Dani, I referred your blog to a friend today, does that get me another entry???
:)
Topi

[positively present]

Topi - That definitely counts as another entry! I'll add your name for that one too. And thanks so much for the referral!

[Victoria]

Wwhen he cleans up the bathroom and brings me coffee in the morning without me asking:)

[Carmen Torbus]

People that are inspired are AWESOME. Their enthusiasm and passion rock my socks off! I would love to win this book!

xo & belief in you,

Carmen

[positively present]

Victoria - Definitely awesome! :)

Carmen - I agree with you on this one 100%. Inspired, passionate, enthusiastic people are awesome!

[Hillary]

Waking up in time to catch the sunrise--awesome. There's nothing better for a fresh start than a beautiful new day. :)

You now have a new follower (http://twitter.com/oftheblue) on Twitter.

[positively present]

Hillary - That's a great one. I don't get to do it nearly often enough. Thanks for following on Twitter too! I'll put you in the drawing twice.

[Michelle]

That's one of my favorite blogs. Makes me smile on a daily basis.
Don't you think writing on foggy windows is awesome? : )

I'm new to your blog and found you from Kind over Matter. I'm glad I did. I think it's great!

[positively present]

Michelle - I'm so happy you found Positively Present today! I agree that writing on foggy windows (or mirrors!) is awesome. Great one!