Each week we change the words/quote/saying that we are displaying on the noticeboard in our kitchen; these are the words we try to live by individually and as a family that week. Some weeks may focus on lifting our mood, others may be about motivation or attitude to life; something that speaks to us on some level and that we can directly apply to our lives. Changing the words each week stops them from becoming just another thing you walk past without really seeing, it keeps things fresh and stops them losing their power. This series is where I share those words with you in the hope they may help you and your family too.

Without further ado, this weeks words are:

words to live by be curious

If you have ever spent any amount of time with children you will know that they are endlessly curious. This can be annoying at times when they have asked you the ‘why?’ question for the hundreth time that morning, but at it’s essence it is how they learn about the world around them. They are hungry to learn and they question everything; Why is the sky blue?, What makes the sun hot? How does this toy work? What do leaves/grass (insert any number of disgusting things here) taste like? You get the idea. It is a magical thing that we as adults could do with remembering (although maybe not the eating thing).

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As we get older the majority of us seem to lose this curiosity. We may occasionally wonder how something works but that’s as far as it goes. Children will follow through with their curiosity, they will ask someone, they will take things apart to try and understand them, or just to see what is inside. We still have the thought but instead of finding out we just make up something probable and move on. What if we didn’t? What if we let ourselves be curious and see where it takes us.

Here are some of my favourite quotes about curiosity:

“I think, at a child’s birth, if a mother could ask a fairy godmother to endow it with the most useful gift, that gift would be curiosity.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

“My favourite words are possibilities, opportunities and curiosity. I think if you are curious, you create opportunities, and then if you open the doors, you create the possibilities. ” – Mario Testino

“I have no special talents. I am merely passionately curious. ” – Albert Einstein

“Do not grow old, no matter how long you live. Never cease to stand like curious children before the great mystery into which we were born.” – Albert Einstein

“Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious. And however difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at. It matters that you don’t just give up.” – Stephen Hawking

“Enjoy every step you take. If you’re curious, there is always something new to be discovered in the backdrop of your daily life.” – Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart

This half term while I am out and about with the kids I am going to try and harness this feeling and I think you should too. Curious about something? Explore it. Wonder where this path leads? Take it and find out. Wonder why that tree has a carving, or looks like it has a face? Make up stories about it. Not rational boring explanations but fairy tales, the more extravagant the better. Everyone will benefit.

We need to foster curiosity in our kids and not let it die, we should be encouraging them to ask questions (no matter how tiring it can be at times). It helps them engage in the learning process. If they ask a question you don’t know the answer to, help them find out whether it be searching the internet, checking the local library or asking someone who you think will know the answer. If you don’t have time right then, instead of brushing them off, acknowledge that it’s a good question and offer to write it down so that you can both look it up later.

Children learn by example. If we harness our own curiosity, not only will it benefit us, but they will learn a valuable life lesson too.

Are you a naturally curious person? Do you ever follow through on it? Could you do with taking a leaf out of the kids’ book?

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69 thoughts on “Words To Live By #4: Be Curious

  1. This is a lovely post. I have a ;etter board in my kitchen too but it will pack more of a punch when my kids can actually read it! Some nice quotes there too – I can identify with Mr Einstein a bit! Haha. #MarvMondays
    ShinnersandtheBrood recently posted…Idiot’s Guide to Icing a Fairy Door CakeMy Profile

    Posted on 24 October, 2016 at 10:53 am
    1. Thank you, I love the Einstein ones too, he has so many it was hard to choose x

      Posted on 24 October, 2016 at 11:05 am
  2. I am naturally curious about everything. Although my husband may say more nosy than curious! My children ask questions ALL of the time and sometimes it is frustrating but I have to remember that they are simply wanting to learn. #mg

    Posted on 24 October, 2016 at 11:18 am
    1. Ha ha, yes it’s a fine line sometimes between curiosity and nosiness x

      Posted on 24 October, 2016 at 1:10 pm
  3. My kids are curious about everything. None seem to be shy about what sort of questions they ask either. My son (who is 4) asked me rather loudly in the street if he fell out my bottom when he was born! I love it that they are so curious. Sarah #mg
    Sarah Stockley recently posted…Mushroom adventuresMy Profile

    Posted on 24 October, 2016 at 5:57 pm
    1. Ha ha, brilliant. They come out with the funniest things don’t they x

      Posted on 24 October, 2016 at 8:23 pm
  4. Brilliant quotes there! I wrote a post a while back about being curious and how great it is! I truly believe that and you have captured it so perfectly here. It is how we learn and how we discover and when we are curious and discovering we are happier. Beautiful post! Thank you for sharing it with me at #mg and then I also found you at #candidcuddles

    Posted on 25 October, 2016 at 5:39 am
    1. Thank you so much, I’ll have to go check out your post too x

      Posted on 25 October, 2016 at 6:40 am
  5. Fab words to love by this week, I’m always encouraging my children to ‘be curious’ so its about time I did the same! Thank you for sharing with #bigpinklink x
    Hannah G, The ‘Ordinary’ Mum recently posted…Big Pink Link 24/10/16My Profile

    Posted on 25 October, 2016 at 11:35 am
    1. Thank you, they learn so much by watching us so I’m trying extra hard this week x

      Posted on 25 October, 2016 at 11:46 am
  6. Completely agree with all of this, and love your collection of quotes! My children ask a LOT of questions, and it’s tiring at times, but I never want them to stop questionning things. x #CandidCuddles

    Posted on 25 October, 2016 at 2:33 pm
    1. Thank you. It can be hard fielding so many questions but I’m trying hard this week to encourage it x

      Posted on 25 October, 2016 at 6:02 pm
  7. I love the idea of the new quote for the family each week. I might borrow that idea when my daughter is a bit older. Thanks for sharing #mg

    Posted on 25 October, 2016 at 2:43 pm
    1. Thank you, our youngest can’t read it yet but having it there acts as a reminder for the rest of us and our moods etc affects her too.

      Posted on 25 October, 2016 at 6:04 pm
  8. Love these quotes! Reminds you how important it is to always remain curious. My favorite was “Do not grow old, no matter how long you live. Never cease to stand like curious children before the great mystery into which we were born.” – Albert Einstein

    Posted on 25 October, 2016 at 4:28 pm
    1. Thank you, I love that quote too, so emotive x

      Posted on 25 October, 2016 at 6:06 pm
  9. Ah this is a great quote, being curious can teach us so much.

    #dreamteam
    thetaleofmummyhood recently posted…Positivity Breeds Positivity…My Profile

    Posted on 25 October, 2016 at 8:35 pm
    1. Thank you, it really can x

      Posted on 25 October, 2016 at 9:40 pm
  10. Wow this is fab! Love the changing up of the quote each week, will be trying that! I wish children stayed innocent and curious and didn’t grow up to realise what a harsh world we love in. I find the idea that eventually my daughter will grow up and lose this innocence and be affected by the presence of social media and peer pressure in general difficult! (Sorry to be a negative nancy haha) #candidcuddles

    Posted on 25 October, 2016 at 11:26 pm
    1. I know exactly how you feel, there does seem to be so much more pressure on kids these days I wish I could keep mine small forever too x

      Posted on 26 October, 2016 at 7:21 am
  11. That’s such a good idea. I try so hard not to stifle that curiosity in myself but it is hard when time is in such short supply. Before my daughter was born I thought I would try to let her imagine the answer to all those questions so as not to stifle her creativity with ‘answers’. She’s not talking yet but I hope it will be successful – who knows what she might come up with 🙂 hahaha #bestandworst

    Posted on 26 October, 2016 at 12:44 pm
    1. Their imaginations are incredible when they are young and coming up with elaborate stories is a great way of harnessing it. My oldest is fantastic at this!

      Posted on 26 October, 2016 at 2:02 pm
  12. Lovely post! It’s so important for kids to explore and be curious about their surroundings. It teaches them to always question and to not be afraid too. To never just settle! #MG

    Posted on 26 October, 2016 at 4:30 pm
    1. Thank you, you’re so right, I never want my kids to stop questioning and being curious about the world around them x

      Posted on 26 October, 2016 at 7:36 pm
  13. Reading this you reminded me of Nick Cope’s song so I sent it to you via Twitter. My little one’s have yet to learn to speak but I love being curious about the world we live in. #mg
    Helena recently posted…Red Dye at NightMy Profile

    Posted on 26 October, 2016 at 5:44 pm
    1. Thank you, I’ve just had a look. Very fitting for this weeks words, I’ll show the kids tomorrow, they’ll love it x

      Posted on 26 October, 2016 at 7:43 pm
  14. Curiosity is a great thing. I enjoyed reading all those fab quotes. Thanks for sharing. #CandidCuddles
    Angela recently posted…Girls Denim Jacket Sylvias StyleMy Profile

    Posted on 26 October, 2016 at 8:42 pm
    1. Thank you, it really is x

      Posted on 26 October, 2016 at 8:45 pm
  15. I’ve said it before and no doubt I’ll say it again – I love this series! Am I naturally curious….. mmmm difficult – I’m definitely nosey! I think I have become more curious about the world again since taking up Mindfulness as looking at things ‘with a beginner’s mind’ is a big part of it. As your post suggests kids really help us be curious again too. #familyfun
    Mindful Mummy Mission recently posted…Did you know you can learn Mindfulness from a Disney Pixar film?My Profile

    Posted on 26 October, 2016 at 10:07 pm
    1. He he, thank you, say it as many time as you like, I don’t mind 😁. There is a fine line between curiosity and nosiness but I think we’re all guilty of that if we’re honest with ourselves x

      Posted on 26 October, 2016 at 10:37 pm
  16. What a brilliant idea. I love it!! And you’re so right about curiosity, it’s so important. It can be frustrating sometimes but it’s essential for them to learn and explore, especially as kids have the most amazing imaginations! #sharingthebloglove
    Soppymum (Sara) recently posted…Dear sleep…again My Profile

    Posted on 27 October, 2016 at 9:07 am
    1. Thank you, yes their imaginations really are incredible x

      Posted on 27 October, 2016 at 9:38 am
  17. I love this, particularly the Hawking quote. Some words catch us at the right time and this is one of those moments for me, so thanks.
    Kirsten Toyne recently posted…To All Mothers with Young ChildrenMy Profile

    Posted on 27 October, 2016 at 9:10 am
    1. Aw thank you. Glad it caught you at the right moment x

      Posted on 27 October, 2016 at 9:40 am
  18. This is perfect. Curiosity is actually something I have kept from childhood. If I wonder why I will try and find the answer. I hope my girls follow that. Perhaps Eleanor Roosevelt is my spiritual mother.
    #DreamTeam

    Posted on 27 October, 2016 at 11:30 am
    1. That’s great, your kids will definitely learn from your example x

      Posted on 27 October, 2016 at 11:54 am
  19. I wish I was a bit more curious…my hubby is always reading new things. I find time a bit issue here. However, my daughter is really curious and hit asking questions all the time. I quite like it as makes me think! I love this idea in your family though and thanks for sharing with #bestandworst

    Posted on 27 October, 2016 at 2:02 pm
    1. Thank you. I’m naturally curious but never actually follow through and find out the answer or play around with it. I’m trying to improve that this week x

      Posted on 27 October, 2016 at 7:58 pm
  20. I like this concept. We do lose that curiosity when we get older – children are not afraid to question and challenge and discover. I think we should live our lives curiously #SharingTheBlogLove

    Posted on 27 October, 2016 at 3:32 pm
    1. Thank you, we could learn a lot from our children’s attitude to the world around them x

      Posted on 27 October, 2016 at 8:05 pm
  21. I have to say I am quite a curious person, I love to learn new things, and then share it with others. Kids are endless resource on being curious and I hope they stay that way forever..Love this post and the quotes..They are going on my fridge;)
    #ablogginggoodtime

    Posted on 28 October, 2016 at 8:58 am
    1. Thank you, I really hope mine stay curious too x

      Posted on 28 October, 2016 at 9:44 am
  22. I love all of the quotes, especially the Einstein one & the one about looking at the stars instead of our feet. There is so much more to life than what appears to be. Curiosity is a great way of realizing that & learning more! Thank you for sharing your quote with #candidcuddles xx
    Becky, Cuddle Fairy recently posted…My Day Out at The Boots Maternity and Infant Awards 2016My Profile

    Posted on 28 October, 2016 at 10:40 am
    1. Thank you, Einstein certainly knew what he was talking about x

      Posted on 29 October, 2016 at 2:28 pm
  23. Love this post. Great quotes and a great mantra for life. It’s great for kids to be curious they can learn so much by it #FamilyFun

    Posted on 28 October, 2016 at 10:45 am
    1. Thank you. Yes, they really can x

      Posted on 28 October, 2016 at 12:13 pm
  24. I particularly like this one: “Do not grow old, no matter how long you live. Never cease to stand like curious children before the great mystery into which we were born.” – Albert Einstein. Really resonates with me. Everyone always say’s they don’t feel as old as they actually are, and I think the mind is a wonderfully beautiful thing – loved this post, didn’t have make me feel reflective! #bestandworst

    Posted on 28 October, 2016 at 11:47 am
    1. Thank you. That quote really does speak to a deep part of me, I love it x

      Posted on 28 October, 2016 at 12:15 pm
  25. So true! Curiosity leads to adventure so we should indeed encourage it in our children. Great post :0 #PoCoLo

    Posted on 28 October, 2016 at 2:16 pm
    1. It certainly does, thank you x

      Posted on 28 October, 2016 at 8:44 pm
  26. Another lovely post. I completely agree with you curiosity is the key to problem solving, but yes, sometimes it can be non-stop! lol!

    Thank you so much for linking up with us on #FabFridayPost x

    Posted on 28 October, 2016 at 2:47 pm
    1. Thank you, it can take some work not to beg them to stop! 😁

      Posted on 28 October, 2016 at 8:45 pm
  27. As always great words to go forth and live by 🙂

    #fabfrfiday

    Posted on 28 October, 2016 at 4:40 pm
    1. Thank you lovely x

      Posted on 28 October, 2016 at 8:46 pm
  28. Since having my girls and watching their curious minds its made me more curious. I push more than I ever did before. But its interesting to think about how we loose this as we get older. Thank you for joining us at #SharingtheBlogLove x
    Laura – dear bear and beany recently posted…Review: The Snug Restaurant…My Profile

    Posted on 28 October, 2016 at 9:45 pm
    1. In still curious but don’t tend to follow that curiosity to see where it will lead anymore and I want to make a real effort to change that x

      Posted on 28 October, 2016 at 10:59 pm
  29. Love this one again! The explanations you give and relating then back to grownups and children are really good. In happy to say that I often walk unknown footpaths! Thanks for linking up to #familyfun

    Posted on 29 October, 2016 at 4:12 am
    1. Thank you. That’s great, you’re certainly keeping curiosity alive x

      Posted on 29 October, 2016 at 7:03 am
  30. Ah it’s funny when I saw this title my immediate reaction was my children. They are just curious about everything but everything is new! I think I still harbour a lot of curiosity but certainly not as much as the little people. Having curiosity and the motivation to see it through is certainly something that fades as we get older. Thanks for sharing this at #familyfun
    Tammymum recently posted…Indoor Fun With AquadoodleMy Profile

    Posted on 29 October, 2016 at 8:39 am
    1. It’s the seeing it through that I struggle with these days, it’s finding the time. But I’m making an effort this week x

      Posted on 29 October, 2016 at 1:12 pm
  31. I love seeing my son’s curiosity and I try to encourage it as much as possible – I’m conscious that I’ve lost a lot of my own over the years. I think the people listed on your quotes reflect what an inspiring quality it is – what an impressive list of people! Thanks so much for joining us at #SharingtheBlogLove

    Posted on 29 October, 2016 at 6:06 pm
    1. Thank you, it is an impressive list. I really hope my kids keep their curiosity as they grow up x

      Posted on 29 October, 2016 at 6:09 pm
  32. What a wonderful post! I adore the idea of having a focus for the week, and this one is excellent.

    My 4-year-old twins ask me lots of questions throughout the day. There are a number of occasions when I’ll reply, “That is a great question; let’s find out.” Then I’ll scour the internet for an answer to the question (from as reliable a source as I can locate!).

    Thank you for the terrific ideas!

    #SharingTheBlogLove

    Posted on 29 October, 2016 at 8:19 pm
    1. Thank you, it’s great that you help them satisfy their curiosity x

      Posted on 29 October, 2016 at 8:21 pm
  33. A wonderful quote and suggestion for us to all be a little more curious. My daughter is three and never endingly curious, something that I could definitely learn a little from her. I love the idea of having different words to live by each week as a family, such a great idea, thanks for sharing this on #MarvMondays. Emily

    Posted on 29 October, 2016 at 11:47 pm
    1. Thank you. Kids could really teach us a lot x

      Posted on 30 October, 2016 at 2:44 pm
  34. I always said that I would never lie to my children when they asked me questions (other than the obvious things) and I’ve stuck by that, but my word has that led to some strange conversations at times! Thanks for linking up to #PicknMix

    Stevie x
    A Cornish Mum recently posted…Review: LiveLean 82 Piece Meat Hamper GiveawayMy Profile

    Posted on 30 October, 2016 at 12:31 am
    1. Ha ha, I know exactly what you mean!

      Posted on 30 October, 2016 at 2:45 pm
  35. What lovely words this week. I will be keeping hold of these ones too. It’s super easy to keep the curiosity going when out and about. But now the days are shorter, we are going to have to work a lot harder on this in the evenings. Thanks so much for sharing with the #DreamTeam xx
    Annette, 3 Little Buttons recently posted…They Have Destroyed Our HomeMy Profile

    Posted on 30 October, 2016 at 8:30 pm