Staying Curious: This Might Be a Stupid Question, But …

Sometimes, it can be hard to admit that we just don’t know – that we need to ask questions. In a culture that gives so much air time to so-called experts and those who claim to “know” everything, we show vulnerability when we recognize what we don’t know, and when we become, in Brené Brown’s words, “curious learners.” This vulnerability can make us feel uncomfortable, but it is the first step toward being your own person. In reality, there is no such thing as a stupid question if we truly want to improve our understanding.
 
Personal growth occurs when we stay curious – when we explore those parts of ourselves and our world that are unknown to us. One of the best ways to learn and expand our knowledge of ourselves and the environment is to ask questions. Every interaction with another human is an opportunity to learn something.
 
Staying curious offers many benefits. It keeps us entertained, allows us to learn new skills, helps us build self-confidence, and leads to new ideas and creativity. It keeps us informed about the world, helps us understand how and why decisions are made, and allows us to engage in more thoughtful and productive discussions. It also keeps us humble, as we recognize that we don’t know everything, and neither does anyone else.

If you need help, here a few ways to exercise your curiosity:

• Try foods from different countries and cultures.

• Read new genres of books.

• Watch a movie or TV show on a topic you know nothing about.

• Try a new athletic activity.

• Learn about people who look, worship, or speak differently than you.

• Explore new art mediums, or try being creative for the first time.

• Visit a new city or a place in your town where you have never visited.

• Learn a new language.

• Introduce yourself to a neighbor, co-worker, or congregant you have never spoken to.

Since May is Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s also a good time to be curious and ignite conversations about mental health. Here’s a link to Seize the Awkward, one of our favorite resources for having hard conversations about mental health. Now, more than ever, it's important to check on those in your life, or those you haven't been in touch with for a while.
 
And, by the way, I’m curious … how are YOU doing?