“But I’m not creative like you!” I lamented to my long-time friend. What are you talking about? You are too!” She then listed the many creative things I’ve done over the years. (That’s one reason why I love my long-time friends. They remember and help us see things about us we may not see in ourselves.) For all those busy years of kids and career, I rarely had the time to do what I considered to be large creative projects. I tried in small ways to “up my game” with occasionally creative table settings, holiday and kid projects, and interesting vacation photos. More like “creative-lite” I thought. I felt like…
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The Surprising Benefits of Curiosity and How to Enhance It
Do you ask the next question to follow up and clarify what someone said or learn more? Do you try something new just because…? These are indicators of a sense of curiosity. If you rarely ask questions or step out of your comfort zone in life, you may lose out on the benefits of curiosity. I have always been curious, sometimes bordering on asking too many questions, my kids would say. Life fascinates me and I love to learn how it works and why people do what they do. I thrive on wonderful conversations where questions move us deeper and broader to a better understanding of the topic and one another.…
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Three Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned Traveling
“Travel is rich with learning opportunities and the ultimate souvenir is a broader perspective.” —Rick Steves I rolled my red carry-on up the steps into the house after our two-week vacation in Portugal and Barcelona. I walked through the house, opened up doors and windows to clear out the stale air, plopped the suitcase on the bed, and promptly unpacked. Dirty clothes in the hamper, shoes in the closet, toiletries in the bathroom, and the suitcase put away ready for the next trip. Years of travel and my return ritual is much the same. Tired but hyped up from the long flight, I always believe using energy when it shows…