"Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." —Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)
When was the last time you truly noticed something?
Not something shiny and new, but something you’ve seen a million times—yet suddenly, you notice it like it’s brand new.
The other day, my gorgeous cat Jasper, who honestly looks like a mini black panther, yawned. I’ve seen him yawn countless times before, but this time, I stopped. I noticed. I dropped into the moment and really watched. That’s when I saw them—his fangs! (Yes, cats have fangs, and I’m pretty sure Jasper’s are abnormally impressive. They're giving Saber-tooth vibes. 🐾)
In that tiny moment, something old became new. What was familiar felt extraordinary.
This is The Art of Noticing.
The art of noticing is about becoming more aware of the world around you, paying attention to details that might otherwise go unnoticed, and finding beauty, meaning, or inspiration in those moments. It’s a close cousin to mindfulness, but with a focus on curiosity and intentional observation.
It’s about slowing down and seeing the things you usually breeze past. Like how your coffee smells way better than it tastes (don’t fight me on this—it’s just facts).
It’s also about those moments that catch you off guard—the oddly satisfying rhythm of rain on the windows or—yes—even your fur baby’s ridiculously sharp fangs.
It’s not just about the world around you, though. The art of noticing is also about tuning into yourself—your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It’s a way to reconnect with who you are in a way that feels grounding and refreshing.
Your beautiful shift this week
Let’s practice the art of noticing. Here are a few ideas:
- On your next Zoom call: Really look at your colleagues. Notice something new about their expressions, surroundings, or even their vibe.
- Open the fridge for the usual “what’s for dinner” search: Pause. Notice the colors, textures, or that one ingredient you forgot you bought.
- When you pass your neighbor or chat with a loved one: Actually listen. What’s new in their tone, their energy, or their words?
- Step outside to grab the mail: Instead of rushing back in, look around. What’s different about the sky, the trees, or the sounds in your neighborhood?
This week, let’s see how much beauty we’ve been overlooking. Life is extraordinary, and often its magic is hiding right in plain sight.
With fresh eyes,
xoxo Tracy
P.S. Life is beautiful, and there’s so much waiting to be rediscovered. Let’s notice it together—scroll down to subscribe and never miss a Thought Gem!
