It’s no secret that being curious keeps us interested in life. And depending on our curiosity's specific object — it can be the gateway to a plethora of new information and interests.
We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we’re curious, and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.— Walt Disney.
Lately, I’ve been curious about curiosity! Seriously. Is it true that curiosity makes a happier human? What an intriguing subject.
Curiosity and happiness relate to eachother in compelling ways. We often think we know what will make us happy in the future. However, we are less likely to find joy due to a planned pursuit than simply stumbling upon it, as Harvard University psychology professor Daniel Gilbert, Ph.d. writes in his book, Stumbling on Happiness. It follows that by cultivating curiosity and remaining open to new experiences, we increase our likelihood of encountering those surprising and satisfying activities.
“The secret of happiness is curiosity.” — Norman Douglas, British author of South Wind.
About 20 years ago, I decided it was time to venture into art, specifically painting. My belief was I did not possess artistic talent, but I decided to yield to my curiosity and give it a go. I signed up for classes through the local community college, and I was off and running. No, I didn’t take to it like a fish to water, more like a fish out of water. Over the succeeding ten years or so, I persevered and managed to learn a skill and produce art adequate to hang on my walls.
This undertaking whetted my appetite for additional art modalities — namely — collage. I gathered my supplies and my courage and gave it my best shot. My openness paid off — I found my niche. I have created several pieces, and though they may not be museum material, I am pleased with them.
Several years ago, an acquaintance asked me if I played pickleball. I’d never even heard of a sport that involved a ball called a pickle! What in the heck could that be?
After Carol’s basic explanation, my curiosity led me to explore it further. Down to the neighborhood courts, I trotted, dragging my dear friend Shannon along.
It appeared to be somewhat straightforward, yet we knew we needed guidance before entering the “arena.”
At the onset, we took lessons, bought the requisite gear: paddle, shoes, and balls, and ventured on. Oh, and the cute skirts, visors, and hot weather tops.
My foray into pickleball yielded much more than I ever could have imagined. I have not only learned pickleball, its tactics, tips, and strategies but have met a wonderful group of women I now can call my friends. What a happy outcome!
We play several times a week, bringing us pleasure, endless laughter, and gratitude — such growth and enjoyment derived from a bit of genuine curiosity.
Before Covid, my curiosity led me to take lectures through Osher Life Long Learning (OLLIE), a nationwide organization.
Each year OLLIE has two semesters, where we can learn about Native Americans, politics, history, writing, music — the subjects are endless. My current interest lies in fine art — the artists, the mediums, and all the stories surrounding these fascinating, talented people. I have been taking these classes for several years; they are deeply satisfying and motivating.
An unexpected bonus resulting from these classes was a new friendship with an older woman, as we both shared a desire to learn. This was Stumbling on Happiness in action.
When the pandemic descended on us, the lectures resorted to Zoom. Video presentations do not appeal to either of us, yet our friendship continues.
I was encouraged by a friend who believed I had endured numerous challenging life experiences and should share them via a blog. I had never written anything other than my journal. This suggestion ignited my curiosity, and in December of 2018, I did just that. I began my blog Strong55plus.blogspot.com.
Due to publishing a post every Thursday without fail, a friend approached me with an offer to be my writing partner. She suspected she had hit writer’s block, and our weekly collaborations might spark her creativity once again.
What a generous gift this was to me! I have found that I love writing, am learning so much, and enjoying our sessions immensely. Meg is benefitting as well.
My inquisitiveness directly adds to my happiness and satisfaction with my life — and thus, I believe will add many productive years. However, a caveat to curiosity is when fascination is piqued — it may open the door leading to another interest, and another…then the issue is — how do we find the time to explore it all? But that is another subject. For now, let’s be open and curious about all that life has to offer.
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