Amendment News

and More of the last “C” word

Dear Reader

News: Writer’s Chat at the Sculpture Park – New Date

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On 13 January 2024 at The Sculpture Park a Waitakaruru Arboretum between 10 am and noon the Writer’s Chat event will be held in the cafe area shown in the photo. I’ll be joined by fellow creatives Phoebe Wilby, my daughter visiting from Ireland, and Bella Hessell, my granddaughter from Waiheke Island. Phoebe is also an author and Bella is an artist and illustrator.

Save the date, for those who are close by. Join me, Phoebe and Bella and enjoy the park at the same time (and morning tea!)

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This week’s “C Word” Share

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Ferocious Curiosity

The “C” word in my last newsletter was Curiosity. I briefly mentioned “FEROCIOUS Curiosity”. Today I’ve chosen to focus on this aspect because of two things that I’ve experienced recently. First, a podcast where the interviewee was Gladys McGarey, a 102 year old. Second is our recent trip to Wellington to visit our granddaughters, 7 year-old Charli and 5 year-old Katie (and their parents.)

Meeting through a podca.st

The podcast is called Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee. It is on episode #394 that Dr Chatterjee interviews Dr Gladys McGarey. Dr Gladys spoke about her new book: The Well-Lived Life: A 102-year-old Doctor’s Secrets to Health and Happiness at Every Age. The title tells it all. It was a truly wonderful interview and when I grow up, I want to be like Dr Gladys McGarey! https://www.amazon.com.au/Well-Lived-Life-102-Year-Old-Doctors-Happiness/dp/0241613027/ref=monarch_sidesheet

During the interview, I learned that at 102 she is still a consulting doctor – not licensed, but still she can consult with people and other doctors! AND she has a 10-year-plan! Now that’s what I call living!

Although she didn’t say it in these words, one of her secrets to living a long life well, is to have a ferocious curiosity about life. She is always learning, always growing. I love this about her. She wants to know, she researches, she listens, she ponders, she comes up with conclusions, she puts them in to action. And we can do the same. Particularly when we feel stuck in any aspect of our lives, she encourages us to look for a way to help life lead us past those stuck places. Unless we do, we aren’t going to move into a new phase of life. The search, even the acknowledgment that there needs to be change, takes a level of curiosity.

Learning from the grandchildren

Being with Charli and Katie was such a wonderful boost to me and my husband. They are so curious, so excited to learn. They are learning Mandarin! They sing and count in Chinese. I’m impressed at the quality of teaching at their school. But more than that, Charli chose a book from the library because she can learn the Chinese names for common things. She loves books and when she can choose her own to add to their home library, she invariably chooses a non-fiction book.

It’s not just book learning either. We went to gymnastics with them. I was impressed to see how they listened to their coaches and implemented modifications fearlessly and with precision. And Charli sang a song from her kapa haka group and explained the meaning of the actions.

Being with the girls made me wish I had a crystal ball to see where their ferocious curiosity for life and learning will lead them. What I do know is, they will remain excited with life as long as they continue to be curious about life.

So what IS this ferocious curiosity?

Ferocious curiosity isn’t something you’re born with; it’s a trait that’s cultivated through life experiences. It’s that burning desire to learn, explore, and understand the world. Whether it’s about quantum physics, ancient civilizations, or simply how things around the house work, this insatiable hunger for knowledge drives you to seek answers. I love my phone for this. When we’re at the cafe after gym a topic might come up and I love it that I can Google it and discover something new. I’ve recently discovered Google lens and enjoy naming plants I’m unfamiliar with.

It’s a trait to be fostered for life

In a world filled with distractions and quick fixes, ferocious curiosity is a beacon of inspiration and enlightenment. It’s the driving force that propels us forward, allowing us to reach new heights, find unexpected opportunities, and, most importantly, keep the wonder and magic of learning alive in our lives.

So, what are you curious about right now? Embrace your ferocious curiosity, and let it lead you on an adventure of discovery, knowledge, and personal growth. Who knows what incredible opportunities and experiences are waiting for you just around the corner?

And never lose the wonder

We visited the forest near Charli and Katie’s house. Charli encouraged me to look up and the view was begging to be shared. I’m sure you’ll agree this is worth remembering to take the time to take our eyes off the ground in front of us from time to time. There are wonders all around us.

Enjoy the next couple of weeks until we connect again.

Much love

Stephanie

My thought for Living Life in 2023 and beyond:

“Write it on my heart that every day is the best day of the year”Ralph Waldo Emerson

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