Curiosity vs. the status quo

Have you ever thought about what the world is like under the sea? It has always fascinated me. I stare out into the depths of the ocean and wonder what it would be like if I could, for just a moment, visit that world. What would I see, and what would I experience? My imagination runs away with me, and my curiosity is heightened. I am sure all those who inhabit the world down below are probably wondering the same thing. That is what has been told to us in the story of The Little Mermaid.

Curiosity, adventure, and a strong imagination are all you need to explore the great unknown, no matter what the great unknown is to you. Just think about it; even agreeing to come to this planet Earth is an adventure. We choose this journey into the earthly realm; we meet many challenges, some of which are painful or maybe even frightening. Yet we willingly keep walking along on this journey because we are curious and have an innate desire to explore and seek out knowledge.

We sometimes come across people who are simply content to survive in whatever mode that life has handed them. In the story of the Little Mermaid, she represents curiosity and the individual’s desire to seek out knowledge and wisdom, while her sisters represent the masses whom choose the status quo, content to have their lives remain just the way they are—unchanged.  

Are you a curious person or one who choose to accept the status quo of life?  Have you ever thought about it?  Did you know that when you willingly tap into your curiosity, your spirit soars with excitement and wonder; you begin to ask questions, utilize your imagination and soon you find yourself stepping into something new and different from what you thought your life would reveal.  Curiosity is a beautiful trait that allows us to cultivate innovative and interesting things.  Since the beginning of time, man has been creating, inventing and exploring the great unknown in his quest for self-discovery and limitless opportunities.  Our sense of curiosity has showed all of us how to lead life with passion, adventure and eagerness.  “The mediocre teacher tells.  The good teacher explains.  The superior teacher demonstrates.  The great teacher inspires”  –William Arthur Ward

How does someone cultivate a curious mind you might ask?  Here are some of my thoughts on this subject.

 1.  Be open to learning something new and different. 

2.  Ask a lot of questions.  An inquisitive mind is a thinking mind.  Encourage it and see how it fosters creativity.

3.  Be an active participant in life—passivity leads to boredom and complacency.

4.  Make learning an adventure—don’t move into fear or scarcity when you are faced with the unknown.  It can be fun to learn something new. 

5.  Step out of your comfort zone and examine topics that could broaden your perception about people and things. 

There is an old saying that I was told when I was young and curious:  “ Curiosity killed the cat!   And my response always was:  and ingenuity brought it back.”   Eleanor Roosevelt once said:  “I think, at a child’s birth, if a mother could ask a fairy godmother to endow it with the most useful gift, that gift would be curiosity.”

 Joan Marie Ambrose

Author, Creative Writer, Motivational Speaker