Today as I was hiking one of my favorite trails the word wonderment came to mind. I am in awe of nature around me…the wind whistling through the trees, the sound of birds singing in the distance, the crunch of ice as I walk, the beautiful evergreen trees and bare hardwoods that create a canopy above me. And you can’t forget the waterfalls, rivers and lakes glistening in the sun.
When I got home, I found the definition of wonderment, which is: a state of awed admiration or respect. Well, guess I was right on point!
But then I also thought of wonderment in our everyday lives. I am in awe of my body and its ability to handle so many challenges. I am so thankful that I can live an almost normal life while living with cancer. Others are not so lucky that are on my meds and deal with more debilitating side effects. My body tends to bounce back quickly from surgeries and drug treatments. Don’t get me wrong, I also have yucky days, and I need a daily afternoon nap, but the good days far outweigh the bad. For that, I count my blessings. I am so extremely thankful that I can get out in nature every chance I get!
So, I thought I would make a list of what causes me wonderment…but the list got way, way, way too long to publish, so I whittled it down to categories instead.
I am in awe of…
Nature - from beautiful sunrises to the glistening stars at night and everything in between
Family - they engulf me with love and support
Health - the body is an amazing wonder
Friends - always there to listen, connecting from both near and far
Fellow Survivors - their strength and compassion
...and how each have enhanced my life.
Please take a moment and consider what causes wonderment in your life . You may be surprised at how long a list you have. It would be great to hear what creates wonder and awe in your life - feel free to share. :)
I leave you with this amazing poem by poet Brigit Anna McNeill:
I found myself gazing in wonderment at a
tiny rain drop, held on the leaf of a nettle.
This one drop, was once part of the ocean.
Knowing the thrumming depths of whale,
jellyfish and salt. Then one day, rose up.
To become cloud, listening to new stories
of flight, bird, sun and moon. To then fall
when the time is right, on this nettle leaf
within my garden, so it may know the tales
of earth and root.
Does the nettle, I wonder, drink from the
rains worldly stories of
transformation, just as I ponder them?
Holding them in her cells, to feed to worm,
fungi and seed. The taste of alchemy.
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