“Wonder has the power to influence our physical health, our levels of empathy, the extent of our generosity with others, and even our sense of self. When we live in a state of wonder, we are not healthier humans, but better human beings.” – Harris III, The Wonder Switch

2020 showed us how precarious our everyday, comfortable existence truly is, and then it taught us to stop taking one iota of this life for granted. So far, 2021 is seemingly just a continuation of last year’s shit show, so maybe we didn’t learn our lesson.

Accordingly, I’m trying to embrace my word for the year: Wonder. The truth is my words never play out exactly how I imagine, but I always have an intention behind them.

So, for my “Wonder year” (no, I’m not expecting appearances by either Fred Savage or Danica McKellar), I want to embrace believing in the not yet, the unknown, the things I want but don’t have the “how’s” for figured out quite yet.

It will be about considering new angles, imagining a new way of being, and finding the beauty in Ordinary Magic, as my friend, Gill Sotu calls it.

It will be about cultivating my value of curiosity, seeking to understand more “why’s” behind the “what’s,” especially when I don’t agree with the latter.

Wonder is the state I want to encourage in my inner and outer world to show up with even more empathy and optimism for the world we live in. And for my own small part in it.

I am counting on Wonder to transform me into the next evolution of the person I’m meant to be.

So regardless of what this year brings, here’s to being a better human. I’ll call her Rachel2021.

[Photo: A recent sunrise – something I am attempting to catch more of during my Wonder year.]

Just for Fun

• While 2021 is not my favorite so far, at least, we can be amused by the numerous 2021 memes like these.
• Check out this hilarious Holderness Family video about “words for the year.” Thanks to my friend, Becca, for sharing it on our group text thread!