Always Be Curious
Good day, whatever day or time it is for you as you read this. I am drinking some warm coffee out on my back porch, soaking in the morning sunlight dancing on my face. I hope you’re finding a nice, quiet time in your day to indulge in this next topic of mine. I think it’s one that we could all agree on, and that is the thought, belief, or notion to always be curious. And let me tell you why...
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gotten bored and have thought, okay, what’s next to do, see, learn!? I have loved my hunger for curiosity since I was a child. I’ve always asked about the “how” and “why” of everything. I have always been a deep thinker and feeler. Some of you who are also deep thinkers and feelers probably already know what it's like. Most humans feel excited when there’s a chance to learn or try something new. Although not everyone feels this way naturally. Some of us were told from a young age to stop asking questions because it’s “rude,” “disrespectful,” or “annoying.” Even when trying something new, like sports, plays, or the arts as a child, some of us were probably told to just “pick one thing” or “stay in your lane” or something along those lines. Our curiosity is challenged from the very beginning of our lives through adulthood. We’re eager to learn or try something new, but too scared to start because somewhere along the way, something told us to stop. And I am here to give you permission and maybe a little push of inspiration to just do those things! Reflect on these questions:
What topic, idea, or hobby feeds your soul the most?
What new thing(s) have you learned recently?
What new hobby have you taken on?
More importantly, what is stopping you from trying, creating, and doing that new thing you’ve always wanted to do? What emotions or memories come up for you?
Often, we can trace reasons back to core emotions and memories of a time when someone told us, “No, you can’t or shouldn’t do that.” Why are those thoughts still affecting you today? You are in control of your own life! Live it for you! I’ve had to overcome many of my own inner thoughts and obstacles that used to hold me back. But once you break free, there’s no going back! (:
Whatever comes up for you when pondering these questions and thoughts – write them down or just reflect on them and try to pin down what is stopping you? Because nothing should.
I believe everyone should learn new things throughout their lifetime. People shouldn’t stop after school, a seminar, a museum, or a how-to YouTube video. All of these things are great ways to learn something new, but shouldn’t be the end of soaking in more. It’s only important to expand your knowledge on something useful in life, but it could help change or reframe your state of mind on a thought or idea you thought was true or false. Knowledge is power, and it has only positively impacted my life.
For example, this year, I am learning more about edible plants that grow in the Southeast. As many of you can tell, from my photography or from knowing me personally, I love plants. I also switched to a fully plant-based diet about 2 years ago, so I love plants because they are not only beautiful but also feed, heal, and nourish my body. The more I’ve dug into plant knowledge, the more it’s opened my eyes to this whole new world of more edible and medicinal food. It’s a lovely thing when I’m sick to be able to go to my garden to pick thyme and mint to make herbal tea to heal my congestion. Because I’m taking the time to learn something new, I have opened my worldview to how it works and functions. It has not only helped me gain this knowledge but also given me a much deeper appreciation for the subject matter. Knowing more about how things in the world move, function, and play only helps me understand yet another small puzzle piece that makes up our world. But the learning doesn’t stop here for me! This is just one of a handful of other fun topics, ideas, and interests that feed my soul.
Of course, with learning and ingesting all new knowledge, use proper intuition and discretion. Often, people, in person or online, or in what they read in a book, have all of these opinions pushed out into the world, which can appear as fact. Of course, if what you consume is from a legit, credible source, learn all you can! And sorry (not sorry) to AI, but it is not a credible source. Always do the research. Always take thoughts, ideas, and opinions with a grain of salt. And most importantly, do more of your own research and use your own critical thinking! Form your own thoughts and opinions too. Because yet another beautiful thing about being human is that we all have our different experiences, thoughts, and feelings on everything. It’s what makes life in this world so exciting and fun because no one is exactly the same.
In conclusion, I hope this sparked a little interest in you to indulge and learn something new. A book, a film, a language app, a seminar, a museum, and the outdoors are just some examples, but the world is a vast and beautiful place for our curiosity to explore. Whatever and wherever it may create your own classroom of life! Enjoy, learn, grow, and expand yourself because you are worth it and you are human, for goodness sake. Feed your beautiful brain and always be curious!
With Love,
A.M.D.
