Wealth of WOW: Embracing Nature's Bounty for Health and Happiness
I took this picture from my back deck in the late summer of 2022.
In a world buzzing with smartphones, social media, and, yes, Netflix, it's easy to forget the symphony of wonders waiting just beyond our cell phones, computers, and TV screens. YES, you're right, it's Mother Nature's buffet, and it's time to smell the roses! That lush, green expanse of trees, the calming ripple of a river, the majestic dance of clouds in the sky as the sun sets in its splendid glory - nature is the ultimate showstopper, and it's time we gave it the attention and even the standing ovation it deserves. Because these, my feminine friends, are WOWs!
Scientific studies have demonstrated exceptional health benefits from interacting with nature.
Wealth of WOW is not about financial wealth at all. It's about the joy, fun, inspiration, and feel-good vibrations we get from seeing and experiencing something unique and wonderful - WOWs help us embrace the richness of life; they bring riches far greater than money to our health, mindset, heart, and soul. What better place to start than in the great outdoors to achieve these free gifts? So, buckle up, nature enthusiasts, because we're about to dive into why appreciating nature isn't just a nice-to-have but an essential ingredient for our health and happiness.
Nature Prescription: Dr. Earth's Orders
Feeling stressed? Overwhelmed? Doctor Earth prescribes a healthy dose of Vitamin N - Nature! Studies have shown time and time again that immersing ourselves in nature can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression; yes, nature promotes positive emotions. Forget the therapist's couch; the best therapy might just be found under a canopy of trees or beside a babbling brook, or perhaps, if you're lucky, you can find both of these together for a capital "W" Wow! In addition to the above benefits, Dr. Earth prescribes nature as an antidote for our technology-addicted society. If you know someone who fits this bill, invite them along for a walk in nature and enjoy some ecotherapy together.
Who needs a treadmill when you've got Mother Nature's gym membership. Lace up your runners, grab your water bottle, and get ready for some calorie-burning, muscle-toning, awe-inspiring outdoor adventures. Perhaps your choice is a nature hike in the forest, dodging tree branches and leaping over roots. I know people who are into this--me, not so much! It's like nature's version of CrossFit but with a much better view. Or you can choose to enjoy a leisurely walk around your neighborhood and take in the budding beauty of the flora and the entertainment of the fauna, including the squirrel and chipmunk shenanigans that always entertain. Either option, or something else entirely, you can leaf-it to nature to offer endless opportunities to get your heart pumping and your spirits soaring.
Wonder of Nature: Where Magic Happens
Picture this: you're sitting by a campfire, gazing up at a sky ablaze with stars. Suddenly, another gift from nature appears, the mesmerizing journey of a shooting star (or lol...perhaps it is Elon Musk's Starlink satellite) streaking through the vast expanse of the galaxy, leaving you mesmerized with awe. The sight of a shooting star can evoke feelings of hope, inspiration, and connection to something greater than ourselves. So, the next time you find yourself gazing up at the night sky and catching a glimpse of a shooting star as it races across the heavens, take a moment to appreciate the profound impact it has on our lives. For in that fleeting moment of cosmic brilliance, we are reminded of the boundless beauty and mystery of the universe and our own humble place within it.
Nature is full of these magical moments, those instances that make you stop in your tracks and say, "WOW!" And let's face it, we could all use a little more WOW in our lives.
Humor of Nature: Laughter in the Wild
Nature isn't just awe-inspiring; it's downright hilarious! From the clumsy antics of baby animals to the quirky behaviors of birds and insects, there's no shortage of laughs in the great outdoors. Have you ever seen a bird frolicking in a birdbath or a new batch of baby foxes jumping all over one another while their mom watches close by, or something else entirely that made you smile or laugh out loud? The next time you're feeling blue, head outside and let nature tickle your funny bone.
Surrounded by towering pine trees, my home plays host to a lively community of squirrels (red, grey, and black), who make their love for climbing abundantly clear. Their playful antics never fail to entertain. Just yesterday, I had the pleasure of witnessing a comedic masterpiece unfold as a pair of squirrels engaged in a high-speed game of chase around a stately oak tree beside my house. With gravity-defying leaps and bounds, they dashed around my garden, executing dizzying acrobatics and narrowly avoiding collisions, all while sending leaves swirling in their wake.
And let's not forget about those mischievous chipmunks, masters of what we fondly refer to as "the great peanut heist." We toss peanuts their way, only to marvel at how swiftly they snatch them up, stuffing their cheek pouches to capacity before darting off, ready for future snacking endeavors. Who knew the creatures of nature were such skilled negotiators?
Whether it's the slapstick antics of our birds and squirrel friends or the nutty negotiations of our chipmunk companions, there's always something to bring a smile to our faces and remind us of the whimsical side of life. Trust me, when you're surrounded by nature's uproarious comedy routine, gloom doesn't stand a chance.
Wealth of WOW: Investing in Nature's Bank
At Wealth of WOW, we believe in investing in the things that truly matter, and what could be more valuable than our health and happiness? So, whether you're taking a leisurely stroll through a park, embarking on a rugged wilderness adventure, or simply pausing to smell the roses (literally), remember that nature is the ultimate wealth generator, paying dividends in the form of our well-being and adding a sense of fun, wonder, perspective, and humility to our daily lives.
So, why not make a pact with yourself and even add a loved one to the challenge of unplugging, unwinding, and unleashing your inner nature lover. Whether it's a hike in the hills, a picnic in the park, or simply basking in the glow of a sunset, why not take some time to appreciate the wealth of WOW that nature offers. After all, as the saying goes, "In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks." You don't have to go far because nature surrounds you!
I am so excited to share my book with you, Transforming Venus. This book is a toolkit and guide with a section with eight chapters on Awakening and Healing the Goddess within, four chapters on Nurturing and Loving the Goddess within, and a section with six chapters on Adventuring with the Goddess within. It is designed as a guidebook that includes exercises and ideas to further support your growth in a myriad of areas in which we Goddesses may need help! Order a copy for yourself or gift one to a loved one here.
So, my fellow Goddess, go forth with these newfound tools, and may your journey be adorned with the warmth of self-love and the glow of confidence to embrace your journey to self-nurture.
Live Bold and Shine Brightly like the Goddess you are!
Love, Positive Paula
Author/Mentor/FEMpreneur/Chief Positivity Officer (CPO) of Wealth of WOW
PS We all have stories. If you have a story to tell of how nature has impacted your life, I would love to hear from you at paula@wealthofwow.com. Your story might be included in my Nature WOWs book.
