When asked what we want for our loved ones, and ourselves a common answer is we want happiness. There are some of us who find that easier than others.
What is happiness and how do we achieve it? There are millions, possibly billions of dollars spent on the pursuit of happiness. I know I have spent my share on this cause. What about you? Did your new car or shoes, make you happy? Possibly but for how long?
I have been reading like a crazy woman this summer and a book landed on my desk and caught my attention. Curious? Yes, That is the name of the book written by Todd Kashdan, PhD. It's a great book about discovering the missing ingredient to a fulfilling life.
One of the reasons I started Fabulous@50 was to inspire women to be happier and live a more fulfilled life. But there is more to it than that, how do we get and stay fulfilled?
Could the answer be curiosity?
"Curiosity is the driving force behind finding and creating small and sustainable pockets of meaning."
Todd Kashdan. PhD
I was never someone that asked lots of questions kind of curious, yet I like to know what is happening around me in my city and everywhere for that matter. I read everything pinned on a bulletin board and subscribe to a couple dozen newsletters, plus my pile of magazine gets out of hand because I pick up everything I can find. Then of course there is Social Media. This could be too much for most, but I am curious (I used to call it snoopy).
The great thing about curiosity is it is not determined by age, gender, sex, race, intellect or culture. It is something each and every one of us has at our disposal.
Being curious can relieve us of the daily routine, opening us up to new experiences and Tada.... happiness. Just imagine if you and your husband, best friend or children explored something new together. What do you think that would do for your relationships?
Here are a few guidelines from the book that may help you in practicing curiosity.
· When waking, what am I seeing that I overlooked?
· When talking, I am going to remain open to whatever transpires without categorizing, judging, not reacting, I will let novelty unfold, resisting the temptation to control the flow.
· When walking outside of the house, I will gently guide my attention so my movement can intrigue me and whatever sounds, smells are within my range.
Try this for 5 minutes every day.
I really feel that curiosity will help us as we age as well. It will help us stay positive, stay open to new ideas and experiences and just make our life more interesting and fulfilling.
So did curiosity kill the cat or give it 9 lives? Interesting!
Dianna Bowes is the founder of Fabulous@50 and the editor of Be Fabulous! Magazine. Dianna was the winner of the 2011 YWCA Women of Distinction Award in the Turning Point category and the 2014 Leader of Tomorrow Business Award. She is a creative soul, who loves connecting people and embracing life. Travel, great food, family, friends and a long bike ride on a sunny day are her definitions of great life. To read more about Dianna's story click here.