Give in to wonder. This month, explore.

Last month I spent two glorious, crazy weeks in our family’s happy place – those of you who’ve been here for a while may remember me talking about it last year. It’s been a gathering place for my husband’s family since his childhood, and I’ve embraced it as our family’s favorite escape since the first time I visited. 

This year, however, there was something even more special about it. My babies are no longer teeny tiny – which means I got to watch them explore this beautiful place all on their own. Whether they were spending countless hours throwing rocks into the lake, chasing their cousins around the yard and into the woods, or running from waves on the beach, their sense of wonder was apparent on their little faces (and in their end of the day exhaustion). It’s wild, this whole mothering thing, and being able to see the world through their eyes. A simple nature walk, spotting spiders and worms and hunting for butterflies feels like magic. And when I think about it, isn’t it, really? When I step back from the day-to-day, plug into my kids’ amazement at the world around them, hear my son’s little voice say “Mama, I like traveling with you and seeing new things,” it is kind of all amazing this crazy life we are fortunate enough to live. 

While the world can feel really heavy right now, I want to tap into my children’s wonder. Seriously – instead of complaining about the delays and lost luggage and headaches of the airline industry these days [not to mention the expense] – isn’t it kind of amazing that an airplane can actually fly? And I can write to you on this electronic device and you can read it on your electronic device? And that can bring us all a little bit closer together? Maybe I’m getting a little too woo woo here…but this month I want to hold onto that sense of wonder. I want to explore more – without judgment, without self-consciousness. I want to let myself be surprised, excited, and maybe even a little bit scared? (Because let’s be honest, trying something new in your late 30s is always a bit tricky). But who are we if we’re not looking at the world around us in amazement, or opening ourselves up to explore a bit of wonder?

This month, we’re bringing this intention to all things M.T. Deco. Founder Melissa Blum is embarking on her own personal exploration, so we’ll be re-sharing her sage advice for all you 20-somethings out there (though TBH I think it’s pretty good advice no matter your age). We’ll also be sharing our top tips for building a content calendar, and we’ll *explore* the internet’s role in fast fashion & its effect on our climate – and what you can do about it. 

As always, our contributors are killing it this month. Megan Collins of the Manicured Shelf has the book all of us need to read this summer, and resident DJ Lissie Jacobson has put together the ultimate playlist for wining and dining. Heads up: she also might be sharing her favorite recipe that pairs perfectly with the playlist. Plus, our featured contributor this month is boutique culture agency Cultique’s co-founder Sarah Unger. You are not going to want to miss what she has to say about exploring the world around you. 

So, buckle up and get ready to be wowed! I hope you join us this month as we embrace exploration in all its facets – whether you’re looking inward, reaching out to an old friend, or taking your first lesson in something new. Let’s all embrace the wonders that are around us, and allow yourself to feel a bit of that childhood excitement, even if it comes with some new nerves. As always, I’ll be right here, cheering you on.