I Wonder What Happens if I…

When I was 22 it was my dream to move out into a place of my own. As At the time I was very focused on my “why” and having a “why” was what I was taught to prioritize. That was until I came to the realization that this is not the only perspective.

While I can, at times, get behind the idea of having a clear vision of what I want to achieve and working toward it, I most admire the curiosity in me that says, “I wonder what happens if I….”

This sense of wonder has contributed greatly to self-discovery. I would not be as creative as I am in the kitchen if it weren’t for asking myself “I wonder what it would be like if I ate vegetarian for a month”. It forced me to step away from the go to meals I was absent mindedly making and try new ingredients and flavor combinations I otherwise would not have thought to try. Outside of exposing myself to new flavors, I also had the opportunity to understand how the foods I was eating out of routine made my body feel. I learned how my body felt better when I did not consume some of these foods at all. I learned to adapt to the choices available to me and appreciate the opportunity to try something new, instead of leaning into familiarity.

 Outside my diet, this mindset also helped me to stop playing so small. I became curious about how others would respond to me if I started seeing myself differently, if I took even just two steps in the direction of something more for myself. I did exactly that by applying to be part of a leadership academy at work that is very limited in the number of people who are accepted. I was so excited when I was accepted for the opportunity and was able to have exposure to people and ideas, I never would have encountered had I not wondered in the first place.  

I highly encourage others to have a list titled “I wonder what happens if I _______ (fill in the blank)” and here are a few ideas to get you started:

·       I wonder what happens if I put my phone on do not disturb for 60 minutes everyday for a week

·       I wonder what happens if I have an apple for a snack everyday for five days

·       I wonder what happens if I don’t get on social media at all for two days

·       I wonder what happens if I volunteer one day a week

·       I wonder what happens if I write in a journal for a month

·       I wonder what happens if I take a painting class

·       I wonder what happens if I teach myself an instrument

Trying one new thing out of sheer curiosity has the power to create curiosity about something else that was not on the list, it opens our minds to things we never knew we were seeking. I know I never would have taken the time to learn how to do a one-armed plank or downward dog had I not been curious about it, and this has led to seeing myself trying other yoga poses and forms of movement I labeled as being not for me. Curiosity has been a major factor in gaining self- confidence and that is why I honor it so much in myself and in others. It is the gateway to knowing what we are capable of and being who we are meant to be.