Ready or not, the holidays are here. Many of us are blessed with an opportunity to be around others to socially engage. Sometimes, we get into habits and mental patterns of assuming we know everything that someone is going to say or talk about.
When we become annoyed/impatient/think we have heard uncle George’s story for the 18th time, perhaps we can shift our energy over to curiosity.
If we allow it, it can feel fun to be curious with the span of ages within the multiple generations over the holidays.
Perhaps we can become curious about what we can explore and learn about ourselves, and others.
What can I learn from this moment…from him, his story, how I listen, how I engage, how I react?
How can I add depth to a conversation?
Is there a different perspective or a way I can shift (physically or mentally) to enhance the moment, and perhaps, even create a memory?
There are so many memories within each of these holiday pictures of my family.
My grandparents and parents have shown my children and I how powerful real curiosity is.
Within their curious energy, and by making time for authentic interactions, they have created memorable moments.
The kind of moments when, despite a busy holiday gathering, they stopped tending to the adult guests, stopped cleaning up, stopped thinking about what needed to be done, and got on the floor to play with the children. It is almost like the floor became a magical place for curiosity and connection.
When my grandparents were unable to move onto the floor, they invited toys, itty-bitty kiddos, and curious playtime onto their laps.
This curious connection between generations is precious and priceless.
It is never too early, or too late, to be curious and intentional with how we interact and engage with others.
This is a non-paid endorsement encouraging you to be curious within the magical moments you create this holiday season. We all have so much to learn from each other. Perhaps you will find the floor is just the right place to start.
“In the end, kids won’t remember that fancy toy you bought them, they will remember the time you spent with them.”
– Kevin Heath
Please share any stories and/or pictures on social media, when curiosity created a magical holiday memory.
Here is another time when I was reflecting on intentional listening before an upcoming holiday weekend:
