There’s a great quote that goes something like this, “My grandmother started walking five miles a day when she was sixty. She's ninety-seven now, and we don't know where she is.”
I envy that grandmother. In my head, she’s not lost at all but out there following her whimsy and going down a new path when the desire and curiosity strike. Walking is a powerful way to tap into curiosity, which is why it’s the August theme. Let’s dive into what it means to follow your curiosity (and permit ourselves to get a little lost along the way!)
Curiosity is like that friend who always has the best stories and knows all the cool places to hang out. Following it can lead to some amazing discoveries and experiences. Remember when you were a kid, and everything seemed so fascinating? Every rock could hide a treasure, every cloud could be a dragon, and every question had a million possible answers. That sense of wonder doesn’t have to fade just because we grow up.
One of the coolest things about curiosity is that it doesn't really have rules. You don't need a map or a plan; you just need to start. See an article about black holes? Read it. Hear a weird fact about octopuses? Look it up. Come to a fork in the road and aren’t sure where the left path goes? Follow it. Wonder how your favorite song was made? Watch that behind-the-scenes video. The internet is a goldmine for this kind of stuff—there's always something new to learn or explore.
And don't worry if your curiosity leads you down a completely different path than you expected. That's part of the fun! Maybe you start off curious about space and end up learning about ancient navigation techniques. Or you start watching videos about cooking and end up interested in the chemistry behind flavors. Better yet, you plan a walk to look for wildflowers and end up bird-watching along the way. The journey is often more exciting than the destination.
Following your curiosity can also make you more creative and open-minded. It pushes you to think differently, to ask questions, and to see the world in new ways. Plus, it's a great way to keep your brain active and engaged. You might even stumble upon a new passion or hobby.
Life's too short to stick to the same old routine. So, next time you feel that little spark, don't ignore it. Put on your walking shoes, and follow your curiosity.