Are You Moving Too Fast to Feel Wonder?

I recently had a fascinating conversation with a coaching client about wonder and awe.

We talked about what creates those feelings—the moments when something stops you in your tracks, shifts your perspective, makes you curious, or reminds you that life is bigger than whatever is currently occupying your mind.

And somewhere in our conversation, we both realized something:

You have to slow down enough to notice them.

Wonder requires attention.

Awe requires presence.

You can't be completely consumed with the next meeting, the unanswered email, your to-do list or what needs to happen tomorrow and simultaneously notice what's unfolding right in front of you.

And maybe that's why these experiences can feel increasingly rare.

We're not necessarily surrounded by less wonder.

We may simply be moving too quickly to see it.

Just recently, I was driving down Lake Road when I noticed a man walking this adorably chunky bulldog. Apparently, the bulldog had decided he was DONE with the walk because he plopped himself down, rolled onto his back, and completely refused to move.

I started laughing in my car.

It wasn't the Grand Canyon.

It wasn't a breathtaking sunset or some profound spiritual experience.

It was a stubborn bulldog on Lake Road.

But for a moment, I was completely there.

And maybe that's part of what cultivating wonder looks like.

Not constantly searching for extraordinary experiences, but becoming more available to the ordinary ones.

A song that gives you goosebumps.

The changing color of the trees.

A stranger doing something unexpectedly kind.

Looking across the table at someone you've loved for 20 years and suddenly really seeing them.

Your dog being ridiculous.

The night sky.

A moment that makes you stop and think, Wow.

High performers are exceptionally good at looking ahead. We're trained to anticipate, plan, solve, and accomplish.

But there's a cost when we're always looking toward what's next.

We can miss what's here.

So maybe today, instead of asking yourself what else you need to accomplish, try asking:

What am I moving too quickly to notice?

Pause.

Look around.

Pay attention.

There might be more wonder in your ordinary life than you realize.