Don’t dismiss the power in your curiosity.

Curiosity not only is the spark that ignites ones imagination , it also creates happiness within. I know for me it is. Things that catch our interests, whether big or small, are all special in that they reveal something about ourselves. Having and pursuing inclusive curiosities can have internal benefits.

Lets take a trip down memory lane , it will be brief . I promise. I don’t recall how old I was at the time but probably between the age of 8 or 9 years old. I remember vividly , coming home from school one evening and super excited to make my mom something for her upcoming birthday. I absolutely love Arts and Crafts then and still do now. I truly find joy in creating beautiful things and encouraging others to do the same ! Art is Art. I always was one to look forward to school projects , so I can create . However growing up shy I did not like the presenting portion.

Anyway, let’s get into the September evening after school . Shall we?

“Who wants to make Mommy a really cool card ?” I ask my 2 younger sisters. 7 and 5 Years old.

Eager and excited they both were in agreement . I mean , What kid doesn’t like Arts and crafts ?! As I get everything together to make this really cool card. My youngest sister who was 5 at the time notices I have Moms Scissors , the scissors that were solely for cutting material and forbidden to use.

“Snip , snip snip”

Looking at my sisters flustered face, she says

“Mommy told us , we can’t use that !”

Okay, and she won’t know. I will put them back. Just use the safety scssiors you have.” I definitely rolled my eyes and under my breath mumbled this little girl better not tell. Thinking to myself , Whats the big deal I am the bigger one and know how to use it . After all the child scissors did not work as nice as hers.

As I put the last touches to the card, my mom decides to come down the stairs. Go figure . Maybe Mothers intuition .

“What are you girls doing ?”

I say, “we are just making Art.” At this point I already hid the scissors. So everything should be fine . Right ? Well at least so I thought.

My sister blurts out .

“We are making you a cool card Mommy , points to me And she’s using your scissors!”

At this point I am annoyed, like why does she always tell on me lol. Is there refunds on little sisters ? Is it too late to take her back to the hospital?

Anyway , To my surprise my mom was upset but not reallllly upset. Leaving it to me to ask the reason , the real reason why it’s bad to use it .

She then proceeds to explain. “These scissors are very sharp and could really cause harm. When I am making you and your sisters outfits , the scissors will not cut the material properly. In otherwords, it makes them Dul. You see, growing up my mom was a very talented seamstress she could make anything ! It was one of her hobbies , that started even before I was born ! Now if I ask her to make something . Her reply usually is pretty consistent of “I don’t have time for that anymore.” The real reason I ask her make me something is because I know that once she gets back into it , it will create happiness within. I remember how happy and the spark in her eyes after each finished piece.

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According to artist and composer John Cage,

“if something is boring after two minutes, try it for four. If still boring, then eight. Then sixteen. Then thirty-two. Eventually one discovers that it is not boring at all.”

Being curious allows you to connect with your inner child. It’s what happens when you recognize the beauty of this world and choose to approach that beauty with an eager, and an open heart. All you have to do is say yes to your desire to learn, to explore, and to enjoy.

Overlooking the power of curiosity robs you of the joy found in every day miracles. Within this endless curiosity you not only find purpose, but yourself. When it comes to our individual skills and talents, a lot of emphasis is put on mastery and excellence.

“Doing something one enjoys can be a good outlet to relieve stress and practice self-care,” says licensed professional counselor Amanda Levison.

“It’s okay to learn new things and learn at one’s own pace if doing something just for fun.”

Ultimately, we don’t have to become professionals in order to feel these advantages. Creating happiness, daily is truly fundamental and just makes everything easier.

For me, that internal nudge pushes towards gardening , writing , reading and Art. I know this because I’ve bought several instructional books, plants, and too many notebooks to count. Still, I’m cautious. Part of me doesn’t want to strive for precision out of fear the pursuit will begin to eclipse the enjoyment. Part of me doesn’t want to turn it into work.

“We can nurture our inclinations for no other reason but that they bring us joy.” - Tsung

Curiosity will always open doors, and lead down new and exciting paths full of adventure and learning.When you understand that even the smallest of things hold immeasurable worth, your soul opens up. Within this endless curiosity you not only find purpose, but yourself.

#CreateYourHappinessChallenge

-Shan