“Do not grow old, no matter how long you live. Never cease to stand like curious children before the great mystery into which we were born.”

Albert Einstein

Happy Monday! 

And welcome to March!

The other day I was out and about, and I happened to overhear a conversation between a young woman and someone I thought might be her mom or maybe her aunt. I really wasn’t trying to listen, but I heard the girl complaining about being so old that she felt her life was passing her by. I was chuckling to myself, as she appeared to be many years my junior.

Then I heard the woman who accompanied her say, “You may be a quarter of a century old, but age is only a number, Dear. You have lots of living ahead of you.” In the back of my mind, I was thinking, at 25 years old, I had no clue about life and what my future would hold. I was so curious back then.

And now, as I’m well beyond 25 years old, I’m still curious about what will come. It’s funny how perspectives change, but the positive processes we implement remain the same. The good news is that being curious is a terrific way to approach life. It’s even more critical to age with curiosity so we don’t get stuck in default patterns that may keep us from enjoying what might be heading our way.

I get excited when I learn something new about others, as well. As a clinician, I get even more charged when my clients become curious about how they can improve their lives. Sometimes it’s after they’re curious about what went wrong or isn’t quite working. When the dots begin to connect, it’s incredible to witness how people feel strengthened and empowered to look even deeper.

Albert Einstein has become one of my favorites, as his wisdom is rich and relative to any age. Let me share this pearl with you:

Photo by Sebastien Gabriel. No copyright infringement intended.

I particularly enjoy the part about being curious children as we witness the great mystery of life. We weren’t all born into affluence and some experiences were incredibly challenging. We didn’t have a choice about where or what we were born into. We do, however, have choices to make about how we view our realities and what our trajectory will be in the future.

We will likely find more to build upon if we have childlike attitudes of wonder and curiosity. Notice, I didn’t say childish. There’s a big difference between the two. One leads to advancement and possibility, while the other is a way to remain unchanged and will likely lead to missing the growth and opportunities that come from being curious.

Here are a few other thoughts about aging:

“Aging is an extraordinary process where you become the person you always should have been.” David Bowie

“Aging is not lost youth but a new state of opportunity and strength.” Betty Friedan

“Age is no barrier. It’s a limitation you put on your mind.” Jackie Joyner-Kersee

“Growing older gracefully means having a keen curiosity about learning things about the world that you didn’t know yesterday, no matter how many yesterdays you’ve had.” Padma Lakshmi

“There is a fountain of youth: it is you mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age.” Sophia Loren

“Wisdom is with aged men, And with length of days, understanding.” Job 12:12 (NKJV)

So, you see, aging and curiosity are both encouragements when we let them be. We can face obstacles positively and find the inner strength to persevere. We can learn new things about ourselves and others, try without being afraid, or try even with fear, and we can become more than we ever thought possible. We need to remain curious and find a way to overcome whatever tries to hold us back.

Think about being more curious this week regardless of your age or what daunting situation you’re facing. Be brave, be curious, and don’t let your age get in the way. I’ll bet you find more satisfaction in the process than you have in a long while!

Be Well & Be Blessed!

Lucinda