At 74, I’ve witnessed the seasons change countless times. I’ve seen the world evolve, technology advance, and people age alongside me. I’ve listened to my elders’ stories about the first airplanes and automobiles, and now I marvel at the possibilities and challenges of Artificial Intelligence. You might think that by this age, little would surprise me. But the truth is, I’m constantly reminded that life has a way of presenting new wonders if you keep your heart open to them. Finding awe in new experiences is one of the most rewarding aspects of this stage of life, and it’s something I’ve come to cherish deeply.
In my younger years, awe came easily. The first time I saw the ocean, held my children, or set foot on unfamiliar lands—each of these moments is imprinted in my memory as a time of pure wonder. But as we age, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that we’ve seen it all before. Often, life’s freshness fades, replaced by routines and familiarity. Yet, I’ve learned that even in these later years, there are endless opportunities to rediscover awe and experience life through fresh eyes.
For me, it began with something simple: picking up a camera. I decided to try photography. At first, it felt awkward—what business did I have learning something so technical at my age? But as I began framing shots, capturing light and shadow, viewing different perspectives, and freezing moments in time, I found myself filled with a deep sense of wonder.
I soon discovered that editing images is an art unto itself. It wasn’t about creating perfect photos. Taking close-ups revealed tiny new worlds that had always been right in front of me, unnoticed. It has been about the thrill of seeing the world differently, noticing the small, often overlooked details that make everyday life extraordinary. Through the lens of a camera, I discovered a whole new way to connect with the world around me, and that, in itself, has been awe-inspiring.
One of the great gifts of aging is realizing that life no longer has to be about mastery. When we were young, we had expectations for how life would unfold. There was so much pressure to excel at everything. But now, in these later years, I’ve found that the true beauty lies in simply trying something new for the joy of it. Whether it’s photography, gardening, or learning to play the guitar, the act of engaging with something unfamiliar brings a childlike joy. It reminds me that no matter how old I get, there are always new avenues for wonder.
Beyond hobbies, I’ve discovered awe in relationships—especially in meeting new people. As I’ve grown older, I’ve become more fascinated by the stories of others, particularly those from different walks of life. Every conversation reminds me that everyone carries a unique perspective, a distinct history. Even at 74, there are new friendships to form, new people to learn from, and new ways to see the world. Each story I hear opens my mind to something I hadn’t considered before, and it fills me with awe.
Travel has also taken on a new meaning for me. It’s no longer about far-flung destinations anymore; instead, I’ve found awe in discovering the hidden corners of places I thought I knew well. I’ve become a tourist in my own town. A walk on a nearby beach or a visit to a local museum now fills me with the same excitement that a distant trip once brought me decades ago. It’s about seeing the familiar with fresh eyes and noticing the details I once overlooked.
Finding awe is less about seeking the extraordinary and more about shifting your perspective. Life still offers wonders, big and small. The key is to approach each day with curiosity and openness, knowing that the world holds surprises for those willing to see them. At 74, I’ve realized life isn’t about reaching the end of the road; it’s about discovering that there are always new paths to explore. And in that exploration, I’ve rediscovered the awe that makes life truly worth living.
P.S. My “Awe Express” keeps rolling! After following Chip Conley for several years, I finally had the pleasure of meeting and learning from him at Rancho La Puerta in Tecate, Mexico. Now, my wife and I are scheduled to attend our first MEA workshop in Baja this December!
Bob Fagan spent most of his career turning around struggling operations. He later transitioned into coaching and mentoring, and recently authored the book “The Little Book of Questions That Matter – A Lifetime Companion For Transforming Your Life.” He is currently finishing “Feel Better Now! – Elder Wisdom to Benefit All Ages.”