YOUR LIFE IS YOUR STORY

Small, Wet Miracles—Embracing Awe

When I arrived in Los Angeles for a memorial last week, I was sad about the loss of my mother-in-law. She had been a great friend, and we shared a passion for the ocean. Both of us had moved to the ocean shortly after graduating from college. I decided to honor her by visiting the ocean and by writing about the wonder that has always come to me in visiting the beach. Clearly, I chose this “writing about awe” to lift me up. And it did.

After months of a pandemic-centered life, I suspect we all need to write about what brings us awe. Here is how:

1.    Make a list of places or events that bring you awe—visiting a botanical garden, going to baseball game, running a marathon, writing a poem, cooking, etc.

2.    Choose one of these places or events and create a cluster around it. What images and memoires come to mind? Positive memories work best!

3.    Study your cluster. Now begin writing your story, looking for the stand-out memories you want to share. Explore how you felt and what evoked awe or joy in you as you experienced this event or place. Have fun with it!

4.    If you have a chance, share your story with others. It makes the experience even more wonderful.