The Automatic Carwash

Living a life of wonder starts by paying attention

Brent Manke
Jul 10, 2017 · 2 min read

Recently I took my daughter through an automatic carwash. Just before we drove in, I asked her, “Do you want to sit in the front seat?” Her blue eyes grew bigger than the steering wheel as she slid up into the seat beside me.

We pulled in and stopped the car. As the carwash started its cycle, our car shook with each pass of the machinery, roaring like a fighter jet. My daughter was in complete awe. This was probably the most amazing thing she had ever experienced in her 3 short years. And somehow, looking at this moment through my daughter’s eyes, I had never experienced anything quite this amazing either.

But it’s “just a carwash” right? Grownups really shouldn’t get so worked up about something so ordinary. Washing the car, for most of us, is an ordinary part of any given day.

Most days, our lives aren’t all that exciting. We get lulled to sleep by each passing moment, like watching a hundred train cars roll by. We dream of days filled with wonder, but the routine just isn’t all that exciting.

Our eyes grow dull.

Eventually a carwash becomes “just a carwash”. Every day becomes the same as every other.

Work, eat, sleep, repeat.

How can we, as grownups, re-capture the wonder with which children approach the world?

Where can we go to find that spark of curiosity?


Wonder, as my daughter showed me that day in the carwash, isn’t dependant on your location, or the scenery, or the excitement of your daily life. Any place can be beautiful, and any moment of the day can inspire wonder and awe. In fact, if you let it, wonder might surprise you in the most ordinary and everyday of places.

The trick is to have the eyes to see. To notice moments of beauty. To hear the music that sustains each waking breath.

To pay attention.


This is an excerpt from my new ebook Pay Attention. Click here to read it for free.

Cracks in the Pavement

Stories and reflections on the life that grows between the cracks.

    Brent Manke

    Written by

    I write about creativity, perspective and design. Check out my new book “Pay Attention” at payattnbook.com.

    Cracks in the Pavement

    Stories and reflections on the life that grows between the cracks.

    Welcome to a place where words matter. On Medium, smart voices and original ideas take center stage - with no ads in sight. Watch
    Follow all the topics you care about, and we’ll deliver the best stories for you to your homepage and inbox. Explore
    Get unlimited access to the best stories on Medium — and support writers while you’re at it. Just $5/month. Upgrade