The Quest For Magic: How To Uncover Wonder In Everyday Moments
Marcella Chamorro
April 11, 2023
Happy Tuesday, folks ❤️🔥
This week, I won parent of the year, and this photo is proof.
I'm back from a vacation at Disney with my family, and seeing the magic through my toddler's eyes made me ponder the magical moments that captivate someone like myself — a person in their late thirties who has outgrown Mickey Mouse but still cherishes that feeling of awe.
I can't help but wonder:
What's behind our fascination with enchanting experiences?
What draws us to the “magic”? What are we yearning for when we drop thousands to throw our arms around a make-believe mouse?
And can we fulfill that desire in a simpler way — by finding magic in our daily routines, without having to journey far, endure sweltering lines, or limit the enchantment to a mere few days?
Which leads me to this week's topic...
How do we uncover wonder in mundane moments and improve the quality of our daily experience?
But first, taking a moment to let you know...
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Here’s what someone said after our first session:
“You changed my perspective on things I hadn’t even thought of. I was able to see the things I perceived as weaknesses as strengths and opportunities. You guided me to figure out practical steps to make things happen.”
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Reply the word “GROWTH” to work with me to get past your inner interference and unleash your potential — at work and in every other area of your life, too.
Okay, onto today’s article.
There’s only one desire at the root of every emotion, thought, and action:
Wholeness.
Don’t believe me? Watch this.
Someone yells at their partner: yelling gives them control over the situation → control provides a feeling of certainty → certainty leads to peace → peace creates a sense of wholeness.
Someone lacks confidence to lead a big presentation: lack of confidence means they don’t need to expose themselves → avoiding exposure protects them from humiliation and failure → protection offers a sense of safety → safety results in peace → peace generates wholeness.
Someone takes credit for a win that wasn’t theirs: claiming credit gives them a feeling of importance → importance leads to being wanted → feeling wanted contributes to a sense of belonging → belonging fosters acceptance → acceptance produces wholeness.
When we drop thousands of dollars on experiences like exotic travel, visiting Mickey Mouse, or buying something real fancy, that desire for wholeness is at the root.
Traveling: Exploring new places ignites a feeling of awe, making us feel part of the larger world → wholeness.
Purchases: Acquiring fancy things offers a sense of belonging, connecting us with a larger group of people → wholeness.
Networking: Meeting new people and participating in conferences or mastermind groups promotes professional growth and feelings of accomplishment → wholeness.
We want shortcuts to that sense of wholeness, and we’re willing to pay for them, but it rarely works and never lasts.
Vacations end, and the thrill of buying new stuff wears off — a standing desk or a Lambo, it's all the same.
Does this sound familiar? Everyone is unique, but some of it likely rings true for you.
The only shortcut that works
In our quest for enchanting experiences, we're ultimately seeking wholeness. However, not everyone is willing to look deep enough to realize this truth.
Not everyone is mindful of their true intentions. Many people feel comfortable in their bad moods and judgemental behaviors.
But not you.
If you’re reading this newsie, it’s because you’re interested in doing your self-work, and you’re curious about what areas of your life could improve.
That curiosity is vital. Without it, growth is impossible (or very, very painful).
The mind is like a parachute — it has to be open to work.
With a truly curious mindset and open mind, you can go about finding the wonder of wholeness in your everyday life.
What does wholeness mean to you?
Wholeness can mean different things to different people. It's a deeply personal and individual experience that taps into our innermost desires, values, and beliefs.
This sense of magic, of wonder, of enchantment comes in different flavors. To me, it’s calm, peace, and connection. To you, it might be excitement, adventure, or brutal honesty. 🤷♀️
The first step is to identify what wholeness means to you.
Begin by asking yourself some thought-provoking questions:
What are the moments in your life when you've felt most fulfilled?
What experiences have brought you a deep sense of contentment or joy?
Who are the people that make you feel most alive and connected?
Take a moment to reflect on what the word "wholeness" feels like to you. You may want to close your eyes and think back to a time when you felt at peace, loved, or safe. Consider journaling about these experiences and connections, as putting your thoughts into words can help solidify your understanding of wholeness.
What's your shortcut to wholeness?
Based on your flavor of choice, wholeness comes in different packages, too. However, it's essential to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to achieving this feeling.
Personally, I find my best shortcuts to a sense of wholeness are through meditation (centering prayer, to be specific) and playing outdoors with my children (without trying to check my phone or juggle doing something else at the same time). It's a big bonus that both of those come free of charge. 🫠
I know someone whose sense of wholeness comes through engaging in meaningful conversations with friends, another who finds it by dedicating time to painting, and another who gets it by hiking new trails.
The key is to identify your unique shortcut to wholeness and make it a priority in your life.
When will you feel it?
The journey towards wholeness is ongoing and evolves with time. As you grow and change, so too will the activities and experiences that bring you closer to this feeling.
Make space for wholeness. Allocate time for activities that bring you closer to your unique sense of wholeness, whether that's early morning walks, reading a good book, or trying out a new recipe. Also, be open to exploring new interests and hobbies, as they can offer fresh perspectives and opportunities for growth.
Recognize those moments of wholeness when they happen. and to make space for them in your daily life. A little celebration can go a long way to
Furthermore, remember to practice gratitude and celebrate your progress along the way. Acknowledge the moments of wonder, joy, and connection that you experience and cherish them as reminders of your journey towards wholeness.
Your turn
I know I don't need to go to Disney World to experience wonder.
This morning, waking up my own bed, healthy and strong, I set the intention to have a wonderful day full of laughter and connection.
That may sound simplistic, but hey, it's my truth.
What about you? What will you do to find wonder in your life today?
By cultivating a curious mindset, remaining open to growth, and exploring different avenues to achieve a sense of wholeness, you'll uncover the magic hidden within everyday moments.
This will not only enrich your life but also help you develop a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you.
We will not starve from lack of wonders but from lack of wonder.
Embrace your curiosity, and let it guide you towards a life filled with awe and enchantment.
Take in those small moments of beauty, connection, and inspiration that surround you every day.
Appreciate them for the (free!) magic they offer you.
You got this. ✌️
That’s all for today, folks.
I hope you have a wonderful week, full of newly discovered wonder and magic.
And remember: this is not your practice life.
Take this one (very real) chance you have at improving the quality of your day — and the rest of your days, too.
Talk to you next week.
All the best vibes,
— Marcella ✌️
PS. From now on, I'm moving my weekly sends from Sunday to Tuesday in the hopes that your inbox stays untouched over the weekend.
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