Dear Reader:

While packing earlier this week… Hoda and Jenna were talking on the Today Show and I caught the most excited expression on Hoda’s face. I turned up the volume and apparently she had been interviewing some or a particular basketball player and given the opportunity to take a shot… which she did… and made the basket!

When Jenna asked how she felt immediately after this accomplishment… with much emotion – Hoda responded ” Like I found my awe again.” Hoda had played basketball in high school and that long-forgotten love of the sport came rushing back. She was struggling to express the power and depth of emotion hidden for decades… she just kept saying ” I found my awe again.. I forgot how much I loved basketball!

Today when we hear the words ” The Mary Tyler Moore Show” our thoughts immediately return to the theme song and Mary throwing her tam high in the air with that total expression of awe at the possibilities of her new life in Minneapolis!

What made the Mary Tyler Moore Show so popular was that Mary lived her life always excited about the unknown and unexpected that she knew would happen one day-she could easily be awestruck.

Awe might be our most undervalued emotion… but one that should be developed in children.

Think about it… was there someone in your family who took you out on starry nights and told stories of the constellations or perhaps into the woods to identify animal sounds?

Psychologists explain the benefits of awe-being awed makes us curious rather than judgmental- makes us humble, sharing and altruistic. Being awed, overwhelmed by the universe quiets the ego. Awe -struck experiences can actually physically reduce inflammation in the brain. In other words goose bumps are good for you!

Children need to be given time to wander without purpose and walk with no aim. Today’s highly structured schedules -filled with activities, pressures and obligations don’t allow time for this important experience.

Children have less time to wonder, wander, or tune into their emotions.

So until tomorrow… I am hoping this week at Edisto provides me with awe-inspiring possibilities to wonder and wander. No doubt it will!!!! 🤗

Today is my favorite day… Winnie the Pooh