November 27, 2015
(If we live with an open and
grateful attitude, every day will bring a gift. This is one of 365 gifts during
the year I turned 70.)
 |
| According to research, curiosity sharpens an aging mind. |
While reading a book today, Staying Sharp by
Henry Emmons and David Alter, I suddenly realized how curiosity has shaped my
life. I read that curiosity is important to maintaining a sharp mind as we age.
The authors give suggestions on how to develop curiosity but I can skip this
section—I’ve always been naturally curious and it has affected my life in both
big and small ways.
If I hadn’t wondered about that former strange
neighbor of mine on Calvert Street and knocked on his door, David and I would
not be together. I jumped out of a plane because I wondered what it would feel
like and it altered my life perspective. I explored education options and
earned a Doctor of Communications Design degree when I was 60.
In small ways, wondering enters each of my
days. This morning when the sun came through the window and struck the shower
door, I was curious what shadow shapes I could create with my hands. Frequently,
when I examine my photos, I check out how I might create entirely different
images.
Several of my blogs during this 365 project were
based on discoveries from my questions. For example, when I wondered about ants
and tiny dots on a weed, I learned about herder ants. When I investigated a
plant growing near a pond, I learned it was Swamp Loosestrife. I am curious about other cultures and
joined SERVAS and Couch Surfing. I talk
with strangers and my world expands.
My
gift today is curiosity.
> Day 354: Be Good
You can find links to my other posts on this project here:
http://bjschupp.blogspot.com/2014/12/365-gifts.html
