(This post is part of a series of daily letters from me to my future children reporting from the emerging paradigm.)
Dear Kids:
I was just reading in a book about how to generate more enthusiasm about things. I hope that when you’re reading this I’ve had a long life and you’ve gotten to know me, in which case you’re probably like, “How is it possible Mom needs any help generating enthusiasm,” because most folks know me to be an enthusiastic person.
I’m just a lifelong learner and I believe in a strengths based approach, which means focus on what you do well and get stronger in it. Curiosity is a great way to increase enthusiasm and build on your strengths!
Growing up as an only child I can remember times when I felt bored and lonely and times when I felt curious and enthralled. I used to spend whole days building forts out of cardboard and a steak knife in the tiny back patios of apartments we lived in.
I can also remember feeling bored as a latchkey kid, and whenever I remember those boredom days it involves watching tv and not feeling interested in it. I think the cure is curiosity.
If you can find one thing to get curious about and follow that line of inquiry, it helps develop enthusiasm, a true antidote to boredom.
I was just feeling kind of sad about covid, with relentless reports of higher infection rates happening as places re-open. I wanted to find a way to feel hopeful.
I have been really close with a crew of friends in Atlanta since before the outbreak and I realized of all seven of us none of us has had symptoms and several have had negative covid tests. Kind of cool and hopeful that a group of folks diligently following social distancing and public health protocols are still doing well.
Mississippi is changing their flag due to the pressure coming from the Great Uprising. That’s hopeful news I found out after inquiring.
Hopefully you’ll remember that you can always find some enthusiasm for life if you look for it. And you can always find something negative or to worry about if you look for it. You have the choice of what you look for.
xoxo,
Mom
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