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My theme for this year is Wisdom Begins in Wonder. I tried out so many options, but in the end, this theme best reflects my hope for our members this year. That we take time to be curious, ask questions without judgement, and take time to enjoy small moments of beauty and joy.
While reading Atlas of the Heart by Brene Brown for the Athenian Dialogue at our recent conference, I turned a page and found a discussion of Awe and Wonder staring back at me. The book’s definition of wonder confirmed I had made the right choice: “Wonder inspires the wish to understand. Wonder fuels our passion for exploration and learning, for curiosity and adventure.” What stops you in your tracks? What makes you want to dive deep into a new subject? What makes you want to ask questions when something doesn’t make sense?
The other piece of wonder, learning to look for beauty and joy in the small moments of our lives, is important to me for several reasons. Sometimes it’s the unexpected things that bring me joy - a reflection in a puddle, the rainbow of foods in the produce section. Also, creating (painting, drawing, writing, fiber arts, or whatever floats your boat) shouldn’t just be limited to those who are “good” at something. We can and should create things because they are beautiful and make us happy.
I’m going to challenge us all in the coming year to take time to be curious and acknowledge what brings us joy. I know that life can be overwhelming and sometimes the things we have going on in our lives make us feel like we’re doing everything we can just to get from Point A to Point B. If you are able to stop and appreciate the scent of a freshly mown lawn, or to acknowledge a moment of kindness between strangers at the grocery store, you may find those small moments becoming bigger moments. I would love to know what fills your cup, to paraphrase a children’s book. I’ve set up an email address specifically for the coming year, so if you want to share a moment of wonder, please send it to wmcawonderchallenge@gmail.com. I’m hoping to include some of these moments of wonder in my newsletter articles, whether it’s the beauty of nature that catches your eye or a difficult conversation made easier because you took a moment to be curious.
Finally, thank you all for electing me to be your president for this next year. I’m looking forward to representing WMCA at IIMC and in Region IX. I’m so proud to be part of this amazing group of clerks.
Heidi K. S. Napolitino
WMCA President
