What new ways of experiencing wonder would you like to pursue this year? As you begin this new year, a powerful wonder habit to start is simply to look for reasons to celebrate each day. Cultivating that mindset will open up your perspective, empowering you to notice all sorts of ways to enjoy every day.
In Wake Up to Wonder, I describe how there is always some kind of holiday on the calendar. Even if it’s not a well-known holiday like Christmas, Easter, or Fourth of July, you can find something to celebrate every single day. Some wonderful examples include: Write Down Your Story Day (March 14th), Tell a Joke Day (August 16th), and Dance Day (September 21st). Some examples that are so weird that they’re wonderful for being funny include: Big Wig Day (January 31st), Lumpy Rug Day (May 2nd), and Moldy Cheese Day (October 9th). The holidays on the calendar for the year ahead are reminders that there’s always something good to discover. If you approach every day as a gift from God to enjoy, you can discover much more wonder than you can with a less positive mindset.
The word “holiday” evolved from the words “holy day”. Every day is truly a holy day, because it’s a sacred opportunity that God has given you to be alive in this world. You can’t predict what will happen each day, but you can go into it with the intention of pursuing God’s wonder as much as possible. Then, you’ll notice God’s presence with you in every situation – no matter what circumstances you’re facing that particular day.
This month, I hope you’ll look forward to wonder throughout this year, and then commit to pursuing it. You’ll reliably find wonder whenever you intentionally search for it. That’s because God promises you’ll find him whenever you search for him – and wonder points you in God’s direction. Jeremiah 29:11-14 says: “‘For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the LORD…”.
Wishing you a new year full of wonder!
Blessings,
Whitney