WOWs come in all shapes and sizes, and even the smallest ones can help you shape a life of wonder. I had several WOWs last week. Here are some of my favorites.

1. I attended the launch of Ann Patchett’s new book. Ann Patchett kicked off the tour for her latest book, Tom Ford, in her (and my) hometown of Nashville. I grabbed a ticket early and was glad I did because the event sold out. Ann did a reading from the book, which was definitely a WOW! Then, while sharing the back story of her novel, she said, “Life is just really a series of moments strung together over time, and you need to slow down and pay attention to them.” WOW!

2. I volunteered to be in the spotlight. I’ve wanted to take an improv class since I wrote about it for SHRM in 2021. I signed up to do an online class with Second City. In addition to being fun, it’s pushing me out of my comfort zone. One of the great things about improv is that you learn to not judge yourself or be afraid to make mistakes. When the instructor asks for volunteers, I am not afraid to raise my hand. 

3. I enjoyed the full moon. Did you catch the full moon last week? I almost missed it. When I went to sleep, its light shone right through my window, directly onto my side of the bed. I stood up and took in the beautiful sight.

4. I found a box of WOWs. While looking for the photo that ran with this post, I came across a box of life’s mementos. There were newspaper clippings from when I was six and crowned first runner up in the Miss La Petit pageant, bags of small clay animals I made and sold as “Steffi’s Stuff” when I was eight, photos from college Spring Break, and an assortment of cards and letters from David and my boys. I took a break and traveled down memory lane, enjoying the unexpected WOWs.

What were some of your WOW! Moments from this week?