Are we afraid of curiosity because of what it (supposedly) did to the cat?
I’m searching for a reason to explain why kids are insatiably curious, while adults tend to grow less so over time. We’re conditioned in school to believe there is only one right answer and everything else is wrong. But that’s not really true in the real world, is it? For example, what’s the correct way to raise a kid? To find a job? To make dinner? To propose to your sweetheart? To host a wedding? To be a good parent?
There are a lot of right answers to those questions.
The beginning of a new year is a popular time to infuse your story with more excitement, purpose, and joy. I submit that a great way to do that is by practicing the habit of curiosity. If you made a resolution to ask more questions this year, I guarantee that your story will soar to new heights. Here are twenty to get you started:
- What if I tried something new on the menu?
- What if I applied for that position?
- What if I woke up half an hour earlier?
- What if I stopped watching the news before bed?
- What would happen if I gave TV up for a month?
- What if I started dating my spouse again?
- What if I started going to church again?
- What’s something I really need to let go of?
- What’s one thing we can do to have more fun at the office?
- How can I be a better spouse/partner/friend?
- What three things do I want to teach my kids?
- What’s my perfect day?
- What small step can I take to experience my perfect day more often?
- What are five activities that I’m too scared to do?
- Who are five people that I really should reconnect with?
- Who can I help out today?
- Where am I thinking too small?
- Is my calendar packed with stuff that really matters
- When do I feel most alive?
- Where do I most want to see change in the world?
And one more for good measure: What would happen if I took the time to actually answer all twenty of these questions?
Get curious. See where it leads.
What question would you add to this list?
[ About the Art: I’m pretty sure I’ve never drawn a cat before this one. Thankfully, the internet is like 87% cat photos, so I had a lot of reference to choose from. I think it turned out pretty good. I’m not sure where that long red string of yarn leads, but I’m just as curious to see what’s on the other end as the cat. I love the mystery that it gives this piece. (Buy the print!) ]
Loved this list and printed it out so I can ask the questions often (rather than forgetting them and slumping into old habits!) The question I would add to the list is “What games have I been playing that I swore I’d never play? What games would I rather be playing?”. There is an excellent song by a band called the Weakerthans who are from Winnipeg, here in ice-cold Canada. One lines laments “I’ve been losing at games I swore I’d never play”. This is a good reminder to stay on course with what you feel really matters.
Wow. Love that line: “losing at games I swore I’d never play.”
Thanks Wendy!
I had a wonderful Sunday School teacher who taught us that the most important commandment was the one that ya kinda scooted around as you read down the list–because that’s the one you need to work on, and quick! LOL! I’ve used that as a guide in all areas of my life ever since, and it surprises me what it teaches me about myself. Where do I suddenly skim, mumble, avoid? Same with your 20 Questions–cruisin’ down the list, feelin’ sassy–check, check, check–DOH! Ya got me!! and not what I would have expected, either. Five activities I’m scared to do (ok, how about 4 and one that’s not all that scary, but will get me some momentum?).Challenge accepted, sir!
What great insight from your Sunday School teacher, Pat! Thanks for sharing!
And kudos to you for being humble (and brave) enough to put that insight into practice :) Good luck!
P.S. That one gives me the heebie jeebies, too :)