When Dave and I visited Turkey in March, we travelled with a wonderful group of positive people who were up for any adventure. One morning, someone said “Be prepared to be amazed today” and it became a mantra for our trip.

We were amazed almost every day of our Turkey trip, but you don’t need to take a big trip to see amazing things. There are amazing things all around you if you just take the time to look.

Like dragonflies. Did you know a dragonfly’s wings are thinner than a human hair but so strong that researchers have actually studied them to see if they can apply their design to human technological innovations? I love watching them at the lake.

Or how the leaves change colours in the fall at almost the exact same time each year? Dave, my resident tree guy says when the trees turn is based mainly on light and to a lesser degree, cooler temperatures. The colour is determined by the sugar content of the sap. Tree Canada’s website has a very detailed, scientific explanation. I don’t care about the science, but I do watch in wonder each fall as nature puts on the most breathtaking show of colours.

My daughters are a constant amazement to me. This morning, Grace ran in the CIBC Run for the Cure even though she had to work at the park last night and didn’t get home until 2 a.m. (she is a Park Warden) and had a sore knee. Nothing was going to stop her from running to raise awareness and money for breast cancer research.

Of course, amazement can work both ways. I’m amazed the Blue Jays didn’t make it to the playoffs and I’m amazed Leafs’ fans are already bragging that they’re going to take the Cup this year now that they have Gavin McKenna.

This week’s #HappyAct is to wake up every morning this week and say, “I’m going to be prepared to be amazed today”, then look for amazing things around you.