Today, we are looking at our response to the unexpected when it arises in our lives.

When something unexpected occurs in your life, how do you respond? Do you get annoyed? Scared? Upset? Happy?  Or does it depend on what form the “unexpected” occurrence takes? What if you embraced the unexpected?

A collage that states "embrace the unexpected" and "curiosity"
What if you came from the perspective of curiosity? If you could look at the unexpected with a childlike curiosity, how might it change your perspective? If you take emotion out of the equation, and looked at what is happening around you with pure curiosity, what might you discover? How might life show up differently? Might it be filled with more possibility? Would it allow you to respond to life in a more productive or powerful way?

this is part of a collage in pink, purple and red colors with a strip of book in the center overwhich is stamped "curiosity"
Curiosity gives life flight.  As a child, curiosity is a natural state.  At some point, it lessens its hold on us as “practical” gets in the way of “curious.” Fear replaces the excitement of the curious.  Concern deadens the call of the curious. Life constricts when curiosity is squelched. The good news is curiosity can be treated like a habit and we can teach ourselves to be curious again.

a hanging pendant that says "Live" on it
If you want to live into your life, foster the habit of curiosity. If you become triggered and overwhelmed by an emotion, rather than becoming reactionary in response, take a breath and look at the situation with a curious mindset. Why did you have the response? Is it an old pattern based on old circumstances that are no longer relevant? What are the circumstances trying to teach you? How could you neutralize the response and find a better outcome? The next time you become triggered or the unexpected crosses your path, respond with curiosity. Curiosity can be a game changer, if you are willing to embrace it.  Try it on – your life will thank you.

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Joan Jakel

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