Have you ever stood on a mountaintop and felt something shift inside you? Or watched the sunrise over a still lake and felt your whole body exhale? That quiet moment when the ocean meets the sky and your thoughts finally hush? That feeling is awe—and it’s more than just a poetic idea. It’s a powerful, measurable force that’s good for your body and soul. It’s gratitude at its core … gratitude for existence. 

Researchers define awe as the feeling we get when we encounter something vast, beautiful, or mysterious—something that expands our understanding and sense of connection. And science is now catching up with what our hearts already know: awe is good medicine.

Studies show that even a few minutes of awe each day can lower stress, reduce inflammation, and boost your mood. It helps us feel more generous, more connected, and more alive. And lucky for us, North Carolina is a treasure trove of awe.

Whether you’re paddling across Lake Norman at sunrise, hiking the misty trails of the Blue Ridge Mountains, or walking barefoot along the sands of the Outer Banks, awe is waiting for you here. No plane ticket or passport required—just a willingness to pause, breathe, and notice. The best part? Awe doesn’t require a grand gesture. It can be found in the swirl of a seashell, the curve of a mountain road, or even in the laugh of someone you love. It’s all around us, waiting to be felt.

So this summer, take a journey of awe—watch the sunset from your porch. Take the scenic route. Chase waterfalls. Let the beauty of North Carolina shift something inside you. Because when you allow yourself to be awestruck, you’re not just making a memory. You’re doing something deeply healing. And that, friends, is something worth seeking out.