“But why Mum (or dad – or insert pronoun here)?”
That nagging question can be annoying if repeated constantly, but in the right circumstances indicates a healthy, growing mind. Or an older mind that is engaged with life.
For a child, asking ‘Why?’ is an integral part of developing – and maintaining – a healthy mind. Encouraging children to explore and investigate doesn’t just help set them up for a fulfilling life, it can help extend the quality and length of life as well. And it applies to all ages, so don’t be afraid to ask if you don’t know, are curious to learn more or are interested in what the other person thinks…
Lots of research – as well as common sense – tells us that a great way to stay young is to stay curious: – keep learning, be interested and interesting, get involved. Practise and model the good behaviours of young people. If the tap won’t stop dripping, have a look and see if you can fix it. It might be easier than you thought. Or it may challenge you in such a way that you develop a whole new set of skills.
Being interested is a great way to strengthen bonds with family, friends or workmates as well as broadening our horizons by talking to people we don’t know. Try asking questions over dinner with your family: –
1. What was the best thing that happened to you today?
2. If you could, what would you like to change about today?
3. Or try asking “What do you think about (insert current event, historical ‘fact’ philosophical conundrum, social scandal or point of personal interest here ………………?)
Don’t forget the key habit of LISTENING to replies and learning to properly consider what you hear!
This way, you’ll learn more about what the ones you care about are thinking and doing and about what makes them exited, concerned, happy or sad. Also, you might hear of an opportunity or a challenging issue before it gets out of control, or the opportunity is lost. If it’s someone you haven’t talked with before, it may even be life changing.
All of the above applies to the many ways of learning why, understanding differently or more deeply. We’re never too young or old to ask, read, watch do, experience, try… In fact, when we stop learning we can get old in a bad way.
Curiosity may occasionally kill the cat —but much more often it prolongs and improves life.
Have an interested week,
Kimbo.
PS, Did you know these blogs are inspired by the iKiCrew song ‘Every Single Day?’ Check it out here… https://linktr.ee/kimbo7
