Sometimes we miss the most amazing things because we overlook them or see them so often. Open your eyes and take another look.

A funny thing happened to me when I visited Sydney recently. I noticed a church – St Andrew’s Cathedral to be exact.

Was it a new church? Hardly! St Andrew’s was built in 1886 and renovated during 1999 – 2000.

Having lived in Sydney for ten years I would have walked past this particular cathedral an embarrassingly large number of times on my way to the cinemas on George Street.

So why did I suddenly notice it?

My eyes have been opened.

My passion for travel has played a significant role in my slow burning awakening.

Before I went to Europe for the first time, I didn’t notice architecture, let alone appreciate it.

Now I see the different styles used in a building. I think of the work that went into the building’s construction, the people who toiled to make it a reality.

Traveling to Europe also started a fascination for European history.

You find yourself looking at buildings more closely when you know the history behind them. They don’t have to be old to be fascinating or beautiful, a modern glass and concrete structure can have its own tale to tell.

Occasionally, we are all guilty of taking for granted some of the amazing things we see every day – for that very fact.  We see them every day.

Traveling puts me in the mindset for discovery and adventure. So much so that my sense of exploration continues once I get home.

Try it after your next holiday. Treat your hometown, like a new town you just arrived in.

Go on a mission of discovery

I am sure the key reason I’m more aware of my surroundings now is my passion for writing.

I noticed the cathedral while I was standing outside a dress shop, jotting down thoughts in my notebook. It was raining heavily and I glanced up to see the cathedral shining majestically in the downpour.

It might not be a church you suddenly notice. It may be a garden, a local park, even a beautiful old train platform that you look at all the time, but don’t really SEE.

Open your eyes. You might be surprised what you find right on your doorstep.

If you enjoyed this post, please share it with your friends on social media. It just might inspire one of them to look at something with fresh eyes today!

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