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REBEKAH MATTIOLI How did you meet? We met through Facebook in 2017. He had just moved to the U.S. from Venezuela, and he was adding people in Florida who shared his hobby of cosplay. He had been following my cosplay Instagram account even while he was living in Venezuela. How long have you been
In a world that races ahead at full speed, it’s easy to lose sight of wonder. We rush through our routines, scrolling, planning, and worrying, and rarely pause just to feel. But when we do stop long enough to notice the world’s quiet beauty, something remarkable happens: We experience awe. This emotion, which is part surprise, part reverence, can shift our perspective, soothe our nervous system, and reconnect us with something larger than ourselves. DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF FEELING AWE. When we are captivated with awe, time seems to slow. Our thoughts, usually centered on our own problems and plans, suddenly expand to encompass the broader picture, which helps dissolve stress and boosts emotional well-being. Research indicates that awe can reduce inflammation, lower heart rate, and even promote compassion. It’s as if our minds momentarily reboot and remind us that life is vast and full of meaning beyond our daily concerns. Standing beneath a star-filled sky or witnessing a child’s laughter can make us feel small, but not in a diminishing way. Instead, we sense our place in life. That feeling of belonging and connectedness nourishes emotional balance and strengthens our resilience. ENCOUNTER AWE IN EVERYDAY MOMENTS. You don’t need to climb a mountain or visit a famous landmark to experience awe. It’s waiting in the subtle corners of your day: the way sunlight dances on a wall, the sound of rain tapping on the roof, or how someone’s kindness catches you off guard. Try taking a few minutes each day to slow down and look around. Step outside, watch the clouds, or listen to a piece of music that stirs you. When you allow awe to find you, you begin to reconnect with presence, gratitude, and joy. Awe heals because it reminds us that we’re part of something larger and endlessly unfolding. In moments of difficulty, wonder offers perspective and hope. It grounds us, opens our hearts, and helps us see clearly beyond fear or fatigue. So, pause today. Let a moment of awe find you and allow it to do its quiet, powerful work. The Everyday Magic That Heals Us FINDING AWE IN THE ORDINARY
together? We started dating in 2022 and got married in 2024.
Luis & Rebekah
What’s one thing you appreciate most about them? He is so kindhearted and sees the best in everyone. I have a tendency to be a bit hotheaded, and he helps balance me out. He always knows how to comfort me. What’s something they do that makes your life easier during busy work seasons? He currently works from home, so he handles many household tasks because it’s convenient for him.
BRITTANY ROSSOW How did they meet? My dad was traveling abroad in Spain and was introduced to my mom by a friend. She spoke fluent English, which helped break the ice. How long have they been together? They don’t love sharing the exact number, but it’s long enough to build a lifetime of memories. My age plus 18 years says it all.
Brittany’s parents on their wedding day!
What’s one thing you appreciate most about them? What I appreciate most is the way my parents have remained devoted to each other through every season of life, the good, the hard, and everything in between. What’s something they do that makes your life easier during busy work seasons? My commute to and from work is over an hour, so knowing there’s always a hot meal waiting for me during busy seasons is such a blessing. It gives me the time I need to still get to the gym or run errands, and it reminds me how incredibly lucky I am to have them as parents.
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