There is no manual that comes with exact directions for our personal choices in life. We keep on keeping on, solving one problem at a time and eventually, we get to see the bigger picture. We also get to exhibit bravery every time we choose to do something without knowing how it will turn out. Most adults like to think we know enough to at least have an idea of the ending place. When we cannot see through far enough, many of us STOP. Being curious enough to start the game, project, class, or investment in new ventures are all possibilities that beckon bravery and a “dialed up” nature of curiosity.
The essence of curiosity is to head into the unknown with the initiative to face challenges with an open mind. The word itself is defined as being eager to know or learn something. If you act like you have all the answers, it will be harder to incorporate new ones. When was the last time you can remember being curious? Maybe it was recently? Or maybe it has been a while longer.
The desire to see beyond what you could yesterday makes all the difference in your experiences and growth. As we travel through time, what we will remember most are the experiences the journey spotlighted. Flash back to when you were younger and wanted to try new things every day. It was a time when not being an expert or making mistakes was ok and being comfortable with being uncomfortable was a given. That same nature within all of us did not just vanish; however, it might need a jolt to reconnect to the openness it once had. Our attention, wanting to know, and inclination to achieve deeper understanding keeps life out of the boring column.
Jumpstarting curiosity can have more benefits than just wanting to take an art class.
Curiosity will make you smarter. Constantly questioning what you think you know elevates what you know. Asking questions of yourself and others makes us more interesting and closer invested in those whom we associate.
Curiosity also drives our stories and makes them more adventurous, and exciting. Searching and finding “missing data” can increase the depth of all experiences.
After touting some of the benefits of curiosity, I would be remiss to not mention the downer phrase, “Curiosity Killed the Cat.” Most use it as a caution, meaning inquisitiveness can lead one into dangerous places. After searching, the original phrase was “Care Killed the Cat.” Care, in the 1800’s version was used to mean over worry/sorrow, not even close to how it is used today. The modern interpretation has been used when attempting to stop someone from asking unwanted questions. I hope you always stay far from danger, but always embrace questioning everything!
Finding a balance point between “Curiosity Killed the Cat” and “Stay Curious in all things” will be challenged throughout this year. In the opening paragraph I said there were no exact directions for life, but that statement is not exactly true. There are many helpful longstanding reflectionary roadmaps such as the Bible, Koran, Torah, US Constitution, and History for everyone to use as guides. And let us not forget great literature! However… you must be curious enough to read them.
Keeping in mind the numerology of 2021, Change, be bold, “BRAVE” and curious!
Love to all,
Cindi
“Curiosity is a function of overcoming fear. Fear of being wrong. Fear of being right. Fear of being different. If you don’t have the guts to think about bad ideas, you’ll never have the opportunity to execute brilliant ones.” Unknown
