Wandering in Wonder

My mind wanders and wonders well. The sense I have of this has emerged from the quietest corners of my life. I often find myself reflecting on the nature of my thoughts and the spaces they inhabit. It’s apparent to me now my mind is a vast landscape where curiosity thrives and admittedly the weeds of doubt and anxiety may still take root. 

Wandering in wonder fills the space of curiosity I cherish exploring. Curiosity has always been my compass, guiding me towards the unknown, the uncharted territories of my own mind and heart. I recall moments in my life when I allowed myself to be swept away by my curiosity—those times when I ventured into new experiences without the burden of expectation. Perhaps it was a time I took trip away with no destination in mind just an insatiable curiosity to see where it would lead me. Each place a new chapter, each stop a new story.  Reflecting now, it’s how my entire life has unfolded.  It’s still unfolding that way, but with much more intention to trust and accept what becomes of life.

In those moments, I discovered that it’s not a noisy exploration if I begin from my silence. Silence—what a powerful tool. In a world that often screams for attention, I have learned the value of embracing quietude. It is in those silent moments that I can truly listen not only to the world around me but to the whispers of my own heart. Or, maybe it’s my soul. I remember many early morning moments when the sun is just beginning to rise, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink. The sound of waves gently lapping at the shore was like a soothing lullaby, and in that silence, my thoughts begin to dance. Ideas and dreams surface that I can suspect would never have found me.  I wouldn’t have heard them.

From the silence, quieter paths present themselves. I’ve come to understand that the most profound insights often emerge from stillness. It is as if the universe conspires to reveal hidden truths when I allow myself to be quiet. I think back to times when I was grappling with a significant decision—whether to take a leap of faith and change my career or the heart-breaking choices involved in divorce with my children involved.  The noise of opinions and expectations surrounded me, but it was only in moments of solitude that I could sift through the chaos and uncover my true desires.

No less wonderful and always likely to be more, I’m invited to choose for myself in the clearest of those moments.  Each quiet moment presents me with choices—paths that diverge, beckoning me to explore. I have learned to trust my intuition, that quiet yet persistent voice that nudges me towards what feels right. It reminds me that I am the author of my own story, and I have the power to choose my narrative. 

Much more than on a path I’d find elsewhere among the chaos — chaos created by the many who consume life rather than share in it — when it can be easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of societal expectations, to follow the crowd blindly, I have found that true fulfillment comes not from consumption but from connection. When I share my experiences, my love, and my understanding with others, I create a tapestry of shared moments and collective growth. 

Gratefully, I know my power is to love before all else. Love is the foundation upon which I try and build my life. It fuels my curiosity, inspires my wanderings, and guides my choices. I cherish when I’ve volunteered to coach or mentor — often opportunities to share stories with those who have many of life’s challenges still before them. In those moments of connection, I feel a profound sense of love—not just for those I was helping but for the shared humanity that connected us all. Love has the ability to transcend boundaries, to foster understanding, and to create a sense of belonging. 

I now have the faith to see and be who I am to be. Faith, not in any specific religion, has played a significant role in my journey. It is the belief that I am capable of becoming the person I envision, even when the path is unclear. There were days when self-doubt has crept in — and still does— whispering that I wasn’t enough or that my dreams were too big. Yet, in those moments, I have learned to lean into my faith, to trust that I am exactly where I need to be in that moment.  To both accept and own where I am.

I also believe I now have the courage to dare to be who I see I am to be. Courage is not the absence of fear; it is the willingness to move forward despite it. I remember the first time I stood on a large stage.  It was a professional setting with a an audience of many more people than I even expected.  My heart raced, my stomach was turning and my palms were sweaty, but I took a deep breath and spoke my truth. I found myself leaving prepared notes going totally off script.  Leaving the podium to walk the stage. In that moment, I felt an exhilarating sense of freedom. I may not have known when I first did it, but I was allowing myself to be seen, to be vulnerable, and to share my inner world with others. 

Or at least allow for who I am becoming. The journey of self-discovery is ongoing. I am constantly evolving, shedding old beliefs, and embracing new possibilities. There are moments when I feel lost, when the path ahead seems shrouded in fog. But even in those times, I remind myself that it’s okay to not have all the answers and allowing myself to be a work in progress has become a source of comfort. 

And when I am, my wandering is always wonderful. The beauty of wandering lies in its unpredictability. I have learned to embrace the unexpected twists and turns, knowing that they often lead to the most remarkable experiences. Whether it’s a spontaneous road trip to a place I’ve never been or a deep conversation with a stranger on a train, each moment of wandering adds depth to my story. 

For I wander on the wings of love as it soars from a wonderful awakening within. Love is the essence of my life, the fuel that propels me forward. It is the awakening that comes from recognizing the interconnectedness of all beings. I have found that when I approach life with an open heart, I am met with a world filled with beauty, kindness, and wonder…assuredly soulful moments.

My wandering in wonder is one of exploration, connection, and growth. It is a testament to the power of silence, the strength of love, and the courage to embrace change. As I continue to navigate the landscape of my mind, heart and soul, I remain committed to cherishing every moment of curiosity and connection. It is in this wandering that I find my true self—ever evolving, ever curious, and forever in love with life. 

How does your mind wander? What paths of wonder are you exploring?