Things that make me say wow

There are times in the day when I say "wow", audibly, even if nobody is around. As if verbally pronouncing "wow" is not only appropriate, but a necessary part of apprecating the moment. Those times when you see something beautiful and the only word that comes to mind as a descriptor is "wow." I find myself saying wow in moments of awe: the times when I realise the beauty or intricacy of something. Indeed, moments before writing this blog post, I found myself saying "wow" as I stared out at the sunset.

One of my favourite parts of the day is watching the sunset, and when I do I regularly say "wow." As the evening progresses and stars come out, I sometimes say "wow" at the stars, too: whether there is one star in the sky or a blanket of stars, I am impressed. Sunsets are all unique. I am delighted by the different colours in the sky. The times when the sky is really pink. Recently, the sun was setting behind a darker cloud and visible beams of light peeked through the clouds. It was beautiful. I was chatting with a friend on a call and I could do nothing but stop and take a picture. As is often the case, the picture didn't quite capture the beauty. In any case, I was in awe.

Another moment that made me say "wow" recently was when I observed small birds flying around the neighbourhood. The birds were so swift that I was unable to identify their colour or species (not that I know too many bird species, but I have a friend who is adept at translating bird descriptions into the likely species of the bird!). Sometimes the birds gathered together in places, but they mostly flew alone. Together in a small area, but flying independently. I enjoyed watching the birds glide and change directions with seeming ease. I was in awe.

I sometimes say "wow" when I look up at the moon and reflect on how humans have traversed the surface. Humanity was able to build a vehicle that navigated through space and arrived at another celestial body. We did it multiple times. I cannot begin to comprehend all of the work that was done to send people to space. When I look up at the moon, I do so in wonder. Humanity has been there before, conquering unimaginable challenges. And we continue to develop more sophisticated spacecraft. Wow indeed.

What makes you say "wow", or any of the variants thereof (either audibly, like me, or in your mind, also like me!).

P.S. Anson's website features a page that lists times they have said "wow". I love the idea of keeping a list of the things that make you feel in awe.