It was a wild week, wasn't it? I, for one, am ready for a fresh start. The question is, what do I want this week to look like? I can choose any one of the '9 C’s’—curious, calm, compassionate, clear, creative, courageous, confident, or choice. They are all qualities that ground and center me.

I especially love the idea of curiosity, though, and it creates the week I yearn for.

For me, curiosity cures a multitude of evils.

• When I judge my neighbor, I can instead choose curiosity about what kind of day they’ve had and feel more compassionate towards them.
• When I judge myself, I can alleviate self-pity or discouragement by wondering what part of me was protecting or defending myself that I chose the regretful actions I just carried out. I can get curious about what’s going on inside.
• When I’m having a day where everyone just plain seems stupid (it’s not about ya’ll at all, it’s all about me) I can entertain myself out of that bad mood with curiosity. Telling funny stories is one of my favorite pastimes.

The bottom line is that curiosity is my 1st line of defense against judgment, and judging others never brings me happiness.

There are many other benefits of curiosity. Willingly opening your mind to put your own opinion in the background while exploring another’s perspective can help you feel less stressed and anxious and even foster a sense of compassion or understanding. That’ll bring your blood pressure down.

Physically, curiosity keeps your brain active and reduces cognitive decline as we age. Remarkably, there is a correlation between being curious and feeling more positive. (https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1207/s15327752jpa8203_05). Seth Godin(https://www.wholegraindigital.com/blog/curiosity-is-the-key-to-solving-problems/ )even says it’s the key to solving problems. He suggests trying to see more gray than black and white by engaging your curiosity skills.

Curiosity brings growth.

Curiosity brings delight.

Curiosity can bring forgiveness.

There’s a reason curiosity is part of a centered self.

So this week, if you find yourself feeling extra judgy or off-center, pause, breathe, and choose curiosity instead. See where it takes you—it might just surprise you.

You’ll see the difference.

All my love,

Beth