In 2007, Arianna Huffington, founder of the Huffington Post, collapsed from exhaustion, fractured her cheekbone, and nearly bled to death. She had been working eighteen hours a day, seven days a week, for two years in order to succeed in the news industry. As she recuperated in the hospital Arianna had a lot of time to question the workaholic lifestyle that had resulted in her burnout. She realized “success” wasn’t about money and power, but about thriving and creating a happier life you enjoy. Money and power were only a two-legged stool that had toppled over. Arianna wanted a more balanced life and set out to shift the workaholic culture and redefine success so it would allow people to thrive, focused on Wellbeing, Wisdom, Giving, and . . . Wonder."
What is wonder? Wonder is the intoxicating feeling of awe, amazement, or astonishment as we behold something beautiful or something unexpected. It’s curiosity, doubt, or uncertainty in the unfolding of a brave new adventure. Wonder is any experience that reveals the human spirit.
Like a toddler at the county fair with sticky lips covered in pink spun sugar and eyes open wide like saucers as they take their first taste of cotton candy, Wonder is a delightful sensation. And, like the marvel of a fuzzy newborn puppy curled up in your lap, Wonder opens the heart. Wonder is like chocolate icing on a vanilla cupcake. It’s not something we need in order to survive, but it adds delicious flavor and texture to the quality of our lives. Wonder is an essential ingredient in order to thrive.
I hope your life is filled with Wonder!
With Love & Light,
Doreen
