We’re officially past the half-way mark for 2025. Can you believe it? For some of us, time might seem to be flying by like a three-year-old on a double espresso. For others, the year could feel super slow, like a sloth with a dial-up connection. For me, January 2025 feels like a long time ago. But also, how is it already July? What gives?

Do you ever wonder why time goes by faster the older you get? It could have something to do with how many WOW! Moments you fit into your weeks. Seriously. It’s science.

When you’re a child, time feels expansive because you’re constantly experiencing new things. Think about it. Kids’ brains are pausing to take in a huge amount of information. They see the world with an unfiltered perspective. Every puppy is the best puppy. Every puddle is an adventure waiting to happen. Every moment is bursting with “WHOA, what’s that?!” There is joy to be found everywhere they look.

But then we grow up. Suddenly everything feels like a rerun. We start collecting “Been There, Done That” moments like badges of honor. Our brains stop pausing to marvel. Gradually we become desensitized to the world. And we become so efficient at life that we forget to actually notice it.

Sound familiar? Same.

Now, let me get a little somber for a second. On the one-year anniversary of my husband David’s death, people said, “Wow, I can’t believe it’s been a year already!” But I could. Trust me. I felt every. single. hour. At first, I chalked it up to grief (which definitely was a major player), but there was something else: everything had changed. I was navigating a brand-new life. I had to learn new routines, build new friendships, and venture solo into the scariest place on earth: the car wash.

Time moved so slowly, and I started jokingly calling it “widow time.” (Think dog years, but without the tail wags or slobbery kisses.) One calendar year felt like three emotional ones. And while I would’ve loved to fast-forward through it, those slow-motion days were where a lot of my healing lived.

But here’s the good news: you don’t have to go through a tragedy to stretch time. You just need to shake things up. Sprinkle a little newness into your daily routine. It can be anything. Try a strange new food. Like elk! Sign up for a class you know nothing about. Ukulele anyone? Or go somewhere new. It can be another city, state, or country. Just go! I think one of the reasons January feels like it was so long ago for me is because of all of the traveling I’ve been doing this year.

Another secret weapon for slowing down time is mindful noticing. When you’re in the shower, pause to really smell your soap. (Currently, I’m enjoying a lily-of-the-valley-scented bar.) Savor your dinner like you’re a judge on a cooking show. And for the love of all that is holy, stop multitasking. I didn’t realize how much multitasking I did until I watched the Apple TV show Pachinko, which has subtitles. I realized I couldn’t play solitaire on my phone at the same time because I wouldn’t understand the dialogue. Turns out, when I actually give something my full attention, I enjoy it so much more.

So, do WOW! Moments add actual years to your life? Maybe not officially. But they sure do stretch time in the best way. They turn a blur into a bookmark. They take your daily routine and toss a little confetti on it.

In the immortal words of Simon & Garfunkel:

Slow down, you move too fast
You got to make the morning last
Just kicking down the cobblestones
Looking for fun and feelin’ groovy…

Ba da-da-da-da-da-da…Now get your groovy self out there and notice something new.