Hello, I love you.

I am increasingly convinced that one of the best ways to learn how to live gratefully in the moment is to observe a toddler.

My daughter is 20 months old, and her sense of joy and wonder is amazing, and contagious.

At breakfast, she will remark to us over and over about what she is having for breakfast, with a tone of voice that belies pure happiness.

"Mama! I have yogurt in a bowl with a spoon! I have yogurt with a spoon! It's inna bowl!"

I commented on this phenomenon on Facebook recently and a friend said it sounded like she was "stoked on life." Indeed, this is what it is. And it is beautiful, and so far from where I am most days, but it's something I want to try.

When she's stoked on life, she'll talk to the things she likes. "Hello bowl! Hello yogurt inna bowl! I love you, bowl."

This sounds so simplistic and silly (or as she says, "So happy funny!") but can I tell you something? I tried it, and it felt pretty good.

This morning, I actually said, "Hello coffee! Hello coffee in my cup! I love you, coffee." It made me smile. On a Monday morning. I smiled on a Monday morning. This is nothing short of miraculous.

What else can I say, "Hello, I love you" to in my life - not like that creepy song by The Doors - but in a way that helps me fully enjoy and appreciate that moment?