July 24, 2026
Hi Reader
Last week I told you about my time-scarcity spiral — the conference calls, the HOA meeting, sorting out my Uncle Dan's taxes, contractors at the house. This week wasn't much quieter. But something happened that made me stop and actually notice the world around me for about sixty seconds, and I haven't stopped thinking about it since.
Finding Calm in the Chaos
Turn on the news for five minutes and you'll find plenty to worry about — the situation with Iran, the endless back-and-forth between Democrats and Republicans, ICE, the wildfires burning up in Canada, the stock market doing whatever the stock market feels like doing that day. If you're retired or getting close to it, this stuff hits different. You want the market to climb steadily so the money you saved does what you planned for it to do. You want the roof to hold and the furnace to behave. You want your friends to be there when you need them. But that's not how life works — not any of it is fully in our control.
I was listening to Mel Robbins' podcast this week, and she brought on Dr. Dacher Keltner — a researcher who has spent decades studying one very specific emotion: awe. He wrote the book on it, literally — it's called Awe. And his central idea stopped me in my tracks: you don't need a grand vacation or a mountain summit to feel it. You need about a minute a day, on purpose.
What Awe Actually Does to You
According to Keltner's research, awe is unique among our emotions. It quiets the part of your brain responsible for self-focused rumination — the same part that tends to spin when you're lying awake worrying about the market or the news. Regular moments of awe have even been linked to lower markers of inflammation in the body, and to a sense that you have more time, not less, in your day.
And here's the best part: awe doesn't require anything extravagant. Keltner calls these "everyday wonders" — a piece of music that gives you chills, watching a sunrise or set, seeing your grandchildren learn new things, a conversation that makes you feel connected to something bigger than yourself. All of it counts.
A Small Practice for This Week
I'm going to try building this in on purpose, the same way I'm learning to block time for the things I love. So, here's my challenge to myself, and to you:
Once a day, stop for sixty seconds and find one thing that gives you a small jolt of wonder. It could be the pedals on a flower, the bark on a tree, music, a beautiful person. Write it down if that helps. Don't wait for a vacation or a big life event to hand it to you — go looking for it.
A Question for You This Week
What is one small, ordinary moment this week that stopped you in your tracks — even for a second? I'd love to hear it. Hit reply and tell me.
Warmly, Wendy
Quote of the Week
"The invisible only becomes visible if we're paying attention." — Dacher Keltner
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Rival Whey Chocolate Protein — This is my breakfast, most days
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One Small Favor
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Have a wonderful week.
P.S. I am ALWAYS looking for feedback. Just reply to this email and let me know what you like or don't like.
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