Chase the Wonder, Not Only Goals (Birthday Reflections)

“Instructions for living a life: Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it.” — Mary Oliver

There was a point in my life when I believed, if I wasn’t hitting all of my ‘goals’ — or continuously moving forward — I was falling behind.

That progress looked like achievement stacked neatly on top of more achievement. I had lists. Milestones. And when I hit them, I felt… something. Briefly. But the satisfaction was fleeting.

And after enough of those cycles, I noticed what was actually happening: the knowing of… maybe I was focusing on the wrong thing.

What I truly wanted, wasn’t just success. It was aliveness and the magic that life has to offer. And I didn’t necessarily feel it in the moments when I accomplished certain goals, I felt it in the in-between.

I felt it walking with my daughter down the block.
I felt it when a stranger complimented my laugh.
I felt it when I caught the golden hour light hitting the window just right.
Moments that had nothing to do with performance. But everything to do with presence.

The Gift of Paying Attention

“Life is not a checklist. It’s a canvas.”

When did we decide wonder was only for children?

We grow up and call it: focus, maturity, being realistic. But somewhere along the way, we start walking past the very things that used to stop us in our tracks.

The wildflowers on the side of the road. The faces in the clouds. The way a melody can make your eyes well up — or if you’re like me, make you want to just belt it out!

And here’s what I’ve learned, inspiration doesn’t necessarily knock loudly. It whispers. And if we’re always in ‘pursuit’ mode, we miss it.

Try this: Go on a ‘Wonder Walk’

No destination. No step goal. Just the intention to see. The intention to notice.

Notice 5 things you wouldn’t normally pay attention to. And write them down when you get home. You’ll be surprised what your eyes can find when your spirit is soft enough to look.

Why Wonder Actually Fuels Goals

Depending on the situation, I definitely thrive with some structure. What I would like to emphasis here is… balance. For letting wonder walk alongside the goals. Because when we allow space for awe, we actually access deeper creative energy, more sustainable motivation, and a richer connection to the ‘why’ behind our efforts.

Wonder isn’t a distraction from the work.
Wonder is what makes the work worth doing on a continuous basis.

Inspiration isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s an energy. A lens. A way of seeing the world that keeps you connected to joy even when the to-do list is full.

The Artist Solo Date

There was a season where I was creatively blocked. Nothing worked. So I stopped trying. I went to the next town over… walked around… listened to the birds chirping, the outside world just living…

I went to the museum on a different day… I stood in front of paintings. No plan. Just breath and beauty.

And that’s when it cracked open.

Not the next great idea. But something I hadn’t realized was missing: a sense of awe. The kind that reminded me, that life is more than a calendar, more than a deadline. I am more than what I do.

I’m human, created to feel deeply and be moved and to love and to revel in the joy around me!

Try This: Make Your ‘Wonder List’

This month, start a new habit.
At the end of each week, write down 3 things that sparked wonder in you. They can be small. They should be small.

This practice doesn’t just make life feel sweeter — it reorients your attention. It trains your mind to notice. And noticing is the first step toward inspiration.

Keep a Wonder Eye Open

So yes, go after your dreams. Build what you’re here to build. But in the midst of it, don’t forget to be amazed. Be wide-eyed. Be someone who still gasps when the sky changes colors.

Because while habits and goals keep you moving, wonder keeps you awake.

What would shift in your day if wonder became a priority?

Think about it. Stay open to the wonder.

Grab a Copy of My Book: The Magic that is Life

I wrote about these moments, small shifts. To see the magic in life, because it’s there. It’s not rooted in success alone, not rooted in outward praise. It’s rooted inside of you and the willingness to see the magic in the small things, the grand things, in all things!

💌: Email me!

I’d love to hear how you’re chasing wonder!