Curiosity

I love these definitions because the ability to be curious is what drives us to learn and grow; to question our current situation and to make changes. Being curious is such a productive state of mind to be in and it is a quality that is very helpful during the decluttering process.

Physical Spaces– The more you can look at everything you own with curiosity, the more you will be able to objectively observe your possessions. Look at your clothes with curiosity. Why do you really like certain items and cold shoulder other items? Maybe the item reminds you of the goal weight you wish you were at and then that cascades to thinking about how little you are working towards that goal, and then turn against yourself in a shame cycle. If this is you, I get it. Even though, I am teaching others how to declutter and let go of items, I still struggle to let go of clothes I bought years ago and can no longer fit into. I have made a ton of progress, but I truly understand how this is a process for each of you, just as it is for me. You can take as long as you need, but, I will say, the sooner you start, the better you will feel looking into your closet and not having your own shame slap you in the face.

The same thought process of being curious goes to every physical space in your home, office, garage, and car. Asking yourself questions is often the best way to discern whether you should keep an item or let go it. Here are a few I use myself:

Would I buy this today? How much would I pay to have this exact item again?

How would I feel if a friend asked for this item and never gave it back? Happy? Relieved? Sad?

When I imagine my ideal life, is this item in it?

Could a picture suffice in helping me remember this item rather than keeping the physical item? (This question is especially helpful for sentimental items or gifts you have received.)

Do I need this item to function?

Do I love this item? Does it add joy or beauty to my life?

These types of questions should spark some kind of feeling in you and help you gain clarity over how important the item is to you and whether you actually want it or are holding onto it for some other reason. Remember to be curious and do your best to stay out of judgment of yourself or others.

Mental Space– Mindfulness is something that has become a household word. I think it’s wonderful that people are starting to understand the benefits of being more mindful about their lives. I think curiosity is similar to mindfulness because it lowers our biases and our preconceived judgments. Intent curiosity allows us to see with “new” eyes and a fresh look at something can often be all you need to make a change. This curiosity can serve as a foundation to lower your anxiety and strip away the complicated emotions attached to all things– stuff, yourself, work, people, yourself. Yes, I included yourself twice on purpose, because curiosity is possibly the number one thing that has helped me see myself in a way that drops my defenses and ego protection and allows me to learn and grow.

Relationships– The topic of curiosity in relationships is a fun one! Imagine….rather than getting upset about your husband not doing the dishes, you get curious about why he didn’t do them. Maybe he was washing the car or doing some other chore that you despise. And if you really want to take this curiosity challenge a step farther, ask why should you ever expect him to do the dishes? GASP…I know! If you are like me, this second question brings up the ultimate stirrings of comparison and unfairness… our minds go to “but I did the dishes last time”, or “did he not see that I worked all day too and I folded laundry” or “this is what we agreed to in the chore divisions”. “I do everything all the time.” “He doesn’t do anything around here.”

Believe me I know. Feel that discomfort when you are curious about letting him “off the hook” for not doing it. And don’t get me wrong, I’m not choosing sides, nor do I think that he shouldn’t do them ever. But if you are willing to consider these types of questions, you may find that you are more empathetic and kind toward him, and heck, if you are kind, he might just do the darn dishes after all.

This curiosity can be used in all relationships and it serves as a way to break down your walls, so you can really “see” the person, empathize and make a better decision about what to do moving forward, whether it be a friendship or business partner or customer.

Final Thoughts on Curiosity

Living a life of curiosity will bring you so much joy. It will stretch you, cause you to make positive changes, and help you grow in ways you never thought possible. Yes it will bring discomfort because our beautiful brains like certainty, but I promise it will be worth it. It will bring you freedom and lift the constraints off your mind! As always, question everything you have in your life and re-decide with fresh eyes if it has a place in the life you desire. If you have anything in your life right now, rather than complain, shame, or judge it, be curious. You may be surprised at the solutions you find to your pain points.

Now I’m curious, who will leave an awesome comment this week? I love to hear from my followers and want to continue this conversation and learn together.

Have a fun week y’all!