What really DID kill the cat?
• August 16, 2021
Curiosity is a Game Changer!
"Curiosity Killed the cat". Who hasn't heard this phrase at least a hundred times in their lifetime? Is this true? Did the cat die from curiosity? What does that even mean!!
Well, fyi .. curiosity did NOT kill the cat! That's just ridiculous. Curiosity is just an emotion and emotions don't kill. But it is a statement packed full of unconscious meaning. As a mindset coach, I pay attention to stuff like this. Of course the statement sounds innocent enough. What's the big deal? Right? Wrong! Let's unpack this a little. When someone says to someone else ... "just remember, curiosity killed the cat!" What they're really saying is that whenever you're curious and begin to explore, you're going to get hurt or worse, DIE! It also infers the idea that you should be ashamed for wanting to know something .. that you're being nosey or trying to learn something that is none of your business.
Let's explore what curiosity really is and why it can literally change your life and your relationship with yourself and others. The definition of curiosity is "a strong desire to know or learn something." As kids, we are curious about everything! If I had a nickel for every time one of my kids said "Why", I would have been able to retire early. When we're curious, we lean forward and open up to the mysteries of life. We allow our minds to receive information without judgment or bias. We just want to know all of the things! Can you imagine if you replaced judgment of others with curiosity? My clients hear me talk about this all of the time. How often do we judge someone's actions to be wrong or unacceptable?
"My kids should know better"
"My husband should take out the trash"
"You should/shouldn't wear a mask""She's so mean for not inviting me to go along"You get my drift .. all of these statements are just judgments of others. It's coming from a place that my way is right and yours is wrong, no matter what the reason. Listen. I totally understand that as human beings, we want to be right at all cost (even when at times we're wrong). In fact, we as Humans are most comfortable when the people around us are doing things or see things in the same way as we are. When we're comfortable, we feel safe. But curiosity is that playful emotion that let's us come into any conversation and open ourselves up to new points of view. It creates space to learn new things about someone .. even if you've known them all of life your life. Curiosity not only helps to open up conversations with others, it allows us to receive the information. I see couples completely change their relationships by allowing themselves to approach a conversation from a curious place rather than a place where they think they have all of the answers. Curiosity is light and playful. More importantly, it leaves room for compassion and understanding. No two people are going to think alike. Therefore, there is no way they can always agree. But each person has their reasons, thoughts and beliefs that have shaped the way they walk through life. Keep in mind, you may still find that you like your way better. But curiosity in a conversation will always keep the door open to the possibility of learning something new. You may not always agree with what someone says or does, but if you allow yourself to just wonder what moves them without judgment, it could literally change every relationship you have.Be curious about the world you live in and the people you inhabit it with. People really are quite fascinating!Make it a beautiful week and be curious! Life is full of magical moments if you're open to them.
Reclaiming Authority from Anxiety
This week I was reflecting on how self hate has almost become common place with people .. especially kids, which is heart breaking. We are born complete and whole. We don't have to do anything to earn Worthiness or Enoughness .. we just are. If you believe in a higher power, then you know there are no mistakes. Perhaps a divergent pattern that doesn't resemble the others, but just because it's not like the others doesn't make it wrong or defective. Every human being is an essential piece of the universal puzzle. Just take a moment, give yourself a little grace and know that when you constantly look at yourself with such a critical eye, that you're missing the intrinsic beauty of you just being you. I thought I'd share something that I wrote .. It's about seeing yourself for who you really are. Have a beautiful week and just be You . Remember, you were born whole, complete and enough. The Magic Wand From a distance I see you in the river of your tears Holding you under from the weight of your fears "I can't do this!" you scream into the night "There's nothing about me that ever seems right!" I hear your whispers swirling in your head The hurtful things that are constantly said If only a magic wand I had in my hand I'd touch your crown, and a new thought could land Suddenly your eyes wide open to what I can see The veil finally lifted, with certainty you'd agree Your inner beauty revealed so radiant, so true Completely washing all self doubt away from you The creative Genius that quietly lives within A new relationship would finally begin Now peer into the pool to see your reflection What is revealed is pure perfection Trust that you're here as your Maker intended All self judgment permanently suspended Have your own back whenever you fall Be your own best friend once and for all It's time to love all of you even when it's tough You're worthy and beautiful .. so completely enough! Until next week, sending so much love your way! xo Jeanna
