If you’re like me, you may make things more difficult than they need to be on occasion. My “programming” seems to create challenges to make an accomplishment seem more worthwhile.

Crazy, I know!

I think Staples is on to something with the Easy button!

It can help to remind ourselves regularly that “easy is good.” And, a great way to do that is by appreciating ease in our lives.

So, here goes…

I Appreciate Google Alerts

There’s so much to appreciate about Google. Today, my appreciation is focused on the alerts that I have set-up to scan the internet for information that will help me in my work. This morning there were several links that I could easily follow to find just what I needed.

No searching hoping that I was typing in the phrase that would lead me to what I was looking for. Google brought it to me. Now, that’s easy!

I Appreciate Create Space

Amazon has a division that authors can use to create print versions of their books. I used this service for the first time with our most recent book and was quite impressed.

The book is called Warning Signs: A Parent’s Guide to Addiction Prevention.

Of course I needed to be prepared before I started the project but with all the pieces ready to go, it was a snap!

And, with Create Space I can allow Amazon to offer our book with the companion Kindle version with a package discount all from one central management account. Now, that’s easy!

I Appreciate the Data Service Provider

Today, I was doing some research. I needed access to several years of historical information to answer my questions.

One of the services I subscribe to has done a great job of assembling the tools in one place. Login once and all the information you need is just a few clicks away.

It’s just a matter of refining my search but all the information is there. Now, that’s easy!

As I was reflecting on what makes life easier, I noticed that some things are free. Some things are a “bargain.” And, some things are a bit pricey but worth it. What I’ve shared here includes free, bargain and pricey.

Of course, even free comes with a price. Google’s alerts are free but I have to navigate around the advertising to get the information I’m looking for. And, we’ve all experienced bargains that turned out to be very costly.

Sometimes, it’s the pricey services that we end up thinking of as a “bargain.” So, once again, there’s opportunities to practice appreciation literally everywhere.

Do you have an example where you purchased something that really felt like a stretch but turned out to be a “bargain?” Or, what free service would you use even if there was a cost associated with it? Facebook comes to mind! Can you share others?

Complete the sign-up form so you can receive updates or even participate in the Moments of Aware Appreciation Movement. Appreciation is a powerful tool that helps us create more of what we say we want in our lives.