Do you remember what it was like to experience curiosity as a child? To begin each day with such an insatiable appetite for new experiences that you rushed into your day with boundless energy and enthusiasm? Perhaps it’s not always that way now. I know it’s changed for me.

It takes intention to nurture a healthy sense of wonder about a world you’ve lived in for a very long time. It can become routine, tedious even, to spend every day doing what you have done so often. But it is possible to spark that curiosity back to life, even without making wholesale changes.

Curiosity Begins with Your Mindset

It’s all in your mind, or more precisely in your mindset. Some refer to it as a growth mindset, others as a savoir de vivre or a gusto for living that keeps us engaged in our everyday life. And I believe it may be the secret to keeping life interesting through the phases and changes that come with the passage of time.

What we’re talking about is shaping behavior. Framing our attitudes and actions in a way as to be engaged with not only the outside world, but also with our own contemplation and impressions. It’s a state of being that keeps us actively pursuing new ideas, enriching experiences and connection.

I remember being a teenager when an elderly woman befriended my family. She lived in a care home around the corner and would walk over to visit regularly. She became part of our extended family, and I found her fascinating because she possessed such boundless joy that I didn’t sense in the other adults in my life.

It’s Up to You to Wake Up to Curiosity

What I recognize now, in hindsight, is that she was acutely curious and constantly open to new experiences. And my guess is, it was a conscious decision on her part. I never once heard her complain about her life, she only exuded appreciation. I’ve never forgotten her, nor her remarkable ability to seek wonder in her declining years.

A few years ago, a series of circumstances changed my life. I suffered a significant bout of anxiety and in order to recover, I began to look at how I could rearrange my life and my outlook to still feel like life was worth living.

I discovered how to find joy in my small life, just as that amazing woman had modeled for me years ago. Although she has been gone for decades, I remembered her, and she became my guide. And now, I am passing along what I learned.

Quiet Contemplation Can Bring Wonder into Focus

I began to spend much of my time alone. Retreating into my thoughts, I started writing about them. I spent hours hiking the hills allowing the natural world to entice me. A peaceful solo walk among the trees became a morning meditation, and it set the mood for the upcoming day.

Notice the Minute and Seemingly Insignificant

Bringing my focus to small details, slowed me down and opened my eyes to how amazing the world around me really is. I sat on the hillside and rather than looking out over the vista. I looked down, examining the lichen on the tree trunks, noticing the tiny insects ,busy foraging for food, and inhaling the delicate fragrance of a spring morning after the rain.

All those things touched and delighted me when I finally allowed them to. I marveled at the vibrant life that was going on without me ever noticing, and the more I focused on it, the more amazing it became.

Consciously Look for Beauty

I practiced seeing things that normally slipped by me. Every day, I reminded myself to look up at the sky, to wake up in time to watch the sun rise while sipping my morning coffee, or notice the birds singing outside my window.

I’m convinced that noticing is the gateway to joy and gratitude. Just notice to start, and watch the way it brings up appreciation and a sense of delight.

Keep Your Endeavor to Yourself

As I searched for more and more reasons to savor the contents of my own life and world, I realized when I shared my thoughts, most people not only didn’t appreciate what I was trying to do, they actively attempted to move me in other directions.

I felt as though I was being condemned for being open to the possibility of a new way of immersing myself in my own life. So, I learned to choose very carefully in whom I confided.

Put Your Intention Toward Feeling Happy

This is hard. I won’t pretend it’s not. But like a muscle that has atrophied and is being strained again, it eventually gets stronger, and with time the movement becomes easier until it is actually effortless. I felt better after a few months, but the real improvement came after about a year. Suddenly, I was waking up every morning with a list of things to which to look forward.

Pleasure and Indulgence are a Function of Living a Joyous Life. And There’s No Place for Guilt in the Equation

I began to reward myself with pleasure, an ice cream cone on a warm summer day, an afternoon to do what I wanted no matter how frivolous, a spontaneous trip to the ocean with a girlfriend. And if there was no one to enjoy my pleasure with me, I enjoyed it solo. It felt awkward at first to do things unescorted, but now, I truly relish those times.

Stay Curious

I realized I was uninspired and assumed I’d accomplished all I was going to. That left me feeling empty and without purpose. So, I watched programs and read articles about places I’ve never been and tried to learn new things regularly. I took up hobbies that were new to me; things I had dismissed years ago claiming I wasn’t good at them.

I followed any spark of interest to see if it caught fire with my attention. I started mountain biking again, learned to bake bread; bought some inexpensive watercolors supplies and started painting. I didn’t expect any of these endeavors to become my life’s work. They were a lark, an experiment, a chance for me to explore the possible. And they brought me joy.

I’m not saying my life is now without challenges and disappointments. But I am saying, for the most part, even though my circumstances haven’t changed all that much, after shifting my outlook and cultivating a sense of wonder, my life is definitely worth living.

What keeps you going every day? Are there things you’re curious about and would like to explore? How do you keep your curiosity engaged? What small things do you appreciate? How do they bring you joy? Please share with the community!

About six months after the ex and I separated, forcing the sale of our business (my job!), I relaunched my real estate career in a new city, surrounded by a smart and attractive team of (much younger) professionals.

Thanks to the “divorce diet,” as my sister dubbed it, I’d lost 20 pounds and was feeling pretty good about myself. Except for one thing: my teeth.

I’m a grinder, a bruxist, a nasher of teeth in the night. I’ve chewed through and lost more expensive night guards than I care to tally. While I’d spent the money to keep my mouth healthy, my teeth were now forced close together, overlapping in places. I’d quit smiling for photographs because a shadow made my front teeth appear gray or even black.

Taking the Leap

Realtors almost always put their photos on business cards, but I never had. I hired a professional photographer, and boy was he good. He had me smiling through the whole shoot whether I wanted to or not. It was so much fun, posing with our historic bricked downtown and riverfront as the backdrop. But I hoped I wasn’t wasting my time and money on photos I couldn’t use.

A coworker who happens to be married to the photographer saw the proofs before I did. She skillfully doctored the best of them so that my teeth looked perfect. I almost cried when I saw my new professional portrait. There was the person I wanted to be. That was me!

And then I called my dentist for a recommendation to an orthodontist.

When I arrived for my first appointment, my name was on the bright colored welcome board with all the youngsters there for new braces. An informational video explained the importance of a good bite and showed lots of before and after photos. Word art sprinkled throughout the offices inspired confidence and belief in the “new you.”

Why Wait So Long?

I hate to admit money is the biggest reason I didn’t get my teeth straightened in my 40s or my 50s. Truth is, I could better afford it then. When I was married, we shared decisions about big expenditures. I know now I should have stood up for myself and made it clear that a better smile was important to me. Looking our best shouldn’t slide just because we’re in a relationship or over 60 or work from home.

The $5,000 investment outlined in my initial consultation was steep. But a payment plan made it work for me. Now I’ve been wearing Invisalign braces for 17 months – a new set every 10 days. By summer, I’ll be done except for a retainer at night.

My smile is much improved, but my confidence is the biggest beneficiary. I don’t think twice about a big toothy grin now. It comes naturally.

I didn’t even realize how much energy it took trying NOT to smile. I can almost empathize with grumpy people. It’s hard not to smile if you are a happy person… or if you want to be a happy person.

Being newly single was a good reason to look my best. After I was fitted with my braces, I had the confidence to join Match.com. While I didn’t meet my match there, I believe I made some lifelong friends. The whole dating experience has helped me figure out what I really do and don’t want in a partner. One thing I know for sure: I want someone with a really great smile.

Something to Smile About

I don’t know anyone who actually likes wearing masks, but it’s a way of life now. The only plus I can think of, aside from health precautions, is saving on lipstick. As my smile improves, I’m a little disappointed to have to cover it up. My latest thing is smiling at people while I’m driving. It’s refreshing how many people smile back!

Covid has changed the way we connect, and I’m learning to appreciate the chance to ditch the mask and see faces and smiles. Last weekend, I video chatted with my college roomie. She and I both play flute.

When I joined the Gulf Coast Flute Choir a couple years back, she started playing again, too, and just got a new flute for Christmas. Since we don’t rehearse in person now and our concerts are virtual, she is joining in all the way from California!

Today, a girlfriend and I met via Zoom with a published children’s book author to get ideas for a project we’re working on. I’m in Florida, she’s in South Carolina, and the author is in Chicago. How cool is that? Is it just me, or does it sometimes feel technology is shrinking the world and we’re getting closer?

In a few weeks, I am “on stage” in the real estate office as we each produce a video highlighting our business “brands.” I haven’t quite figured it out yet, but I know one thing for sure: behind my mask and under these Invisiligns is a brand new me, and I like her!

It’s never too late. Take the leap!

What is the state of your teeth? Are you careful not to grin because you don’t like your teeth? What have you done to improve your smile? If you’re yet undecided, what’s stopping you? Please share with the community!

Tattoo artists are in high demand these days. More and more people are choosing to get a design, someone’s name, or even something totally random that really means nothing to them emblazoned on their body with ink. And it should come as no surprise that celebrity tattoos are a big business and even inspire others to get some ink of their own.

When a star gets a new tattoo, the Internet goes wild. Take for instance when Cara Delevingne got her first—a lion on her finger—we all wanted to know where she did it. We quickly found out that it was done by Bang Bang, the famed New York-based artist responsible for many of the diverse pieces of body art found on Rihanna and Justin Bieber—two serious tattoo aficionados.

Many unlikely celebs choose to get tagged as well—in fact, you may be surprised to learn a few of the stars who have strategically hidden ink. But lately, celebs are just revealing the ink themselves, showing off their backs, hips and ribcages and tagging the now-famous artists. Let these celebrity tattoos inspire your next ink.

Source: Instagram

Lucy Hale

LA tattoo artist Winter Stone gave Hale this butterfly on her forearm, which the actress says symbolizes “rebirth.”

Source: Instagram

Chrissy Teigen

Most, if not all, of Teigen’s tattoos have an emotional meaning and this new one is no different. Artist Winter Stone inked the title of John Legend’s new song, “Ooh Laa,” down Teigen’s spine. The couple joked they played it in the bedroom on repeat.

Source: Instagram

Kaia Gerber

The siblings that ink together stay together? The model and her brother Presley Gerber did just that at Evan Tattoo in NYC. Kaia got the sweetest black flowers on her inside wrist.

Source: Instagram

Ashley Benson

The actress has a ton of cute snack-inspired tattoos, including a milkshake and this one that reads POMMES FRITES.

Do you think about the future with a sense of excitement, hope or positivity? Research suggests that how we think about the future influences our life expectancy. In one study, people with positive perceptions of aging were found to live an average of 7.5 years longer than others.

Yet when we think about growing older – and look to the media for positive visions – we’re often disappointed, if not depressed. We read about the risks of losing our health or our minds. Where in the media do we read about what we might gain, and how to do it?

What Images Does Your Future Hold?

In the early 70s, the futurist Frederick Polak, in his book Image of the Future, described how, throughout history, cultures collapsed when they lost a compelling positive image of the future.

Without positive images about the future pulling us forward, we ourselves risk collapsing as well!

Yet so many images of what lies ahead for us as we age are dreadful and bound to instill fear. Is bad heath, dementia or financial problems going to be our fate in old age? That’s not a picnic to look forward to!

What if we knew we could always choose to be learning no matter what happens? That we could focus on even more possibilities of finding deeper connections with our families, expanding our sense of meaning, and relishing the simple pleasures of every day with a greater sense of joy and wonder?

Those images would give us a different reality to wake up into each day. Our choices are critical because the pictures we hold about tomorrow will shape our lives today.

Becoming More Present

In his classic book Be Here Now, spiritual teacher Ram Dass suggests that we aim to live more in the now, in the present, as an antidote to a way of living where everyone is always rushing and thinking about the next thing. He invited us to explore just ‘being.’

It’s easy to add a little more ‘being-ness’ to our lives with practices you may already know:

Slow down. Take more and deeper breaths. Give yourself more moments to nurture your senses. Take breaks from the to-do list. Cultivate your awe and wonder. Fill up on the scent of a rose or the miracle of a bright yellow dandelion.

Watch how the squirrel in your backyard performs a pirouette just for you. Feel the cool spring air on your skin, the soft flutter of new leaves on the trees. Pause. Enjoy.

Here’s a new one: Notice, as you focus on today, any sensations or emotions that come up when the future comes to mind. Are you happy? Excited? Calm? Reluctant? Worried?

How We Feel Today Is Shaped by What We Anticipate About Tomorrow

I love to practice just being, but what I feel in the present is colored by my anticipations. I’m a lot more relaxed anticipating lying on the beach in three days than when I’m going in for surgery.

I need a vision of the future that gives me space to thrive today.

A Positive Future Doesn’t Have to Be Problem Free

A future that is hopeful can accommodate the fact that much of the world is not as we would like it to be. Martin Luther King gave us a big dream for our children and their futures, without denying the reality of racism today.

When we expect a positive future, we’re motivated to find signs of good, signs of progress, signs that will reinforce our hope.

We’re more capable of productively dealing with difficulties when our life feels meaningful. We trust that our biggest challenges often bring gifts, and that our losses will come with unseen gains. We strive to keep learning,

Create Your Vision for Aging

The media is full of stories about the problems of getting older. It’s time to turn the dial and find some new stories! You’re more beautiful, aware, creative, and capable than ever. Why not soak that in? Together we can build a set of positive images about being 60 plus that reflect the futures we want.

Tomorrow is going to offer you something that will fill you with wonder, I guarantee it. As you gaze into that crystal ball, why not expect to see a future that’s awesome?

Do you think you have realistic ideas of what the future will be like? What is your vision for your positive future? Please share it with us below!

Porsha Williams’ Black Leather Dress

Real House Housewives of Atlanta Season 13 Episode 10 Fashion

Porsha Williams’ black leather dress was the perfect look for a Real Housewives of Atlanta take Bolo South Carolina episode that will go down in Housewives history. And while some of us probably couldn’t have pulled off Porsha’s Bachelorette party look, I’ll be the first to say that this leather shirt dress is almost universally flattering whether you see it on yourself or find it somewhere on the floor because of what ensued the night before.

The Realest Housewife,

Big Blonde Hair

Click Here to Shop her Zara Faux Leather Shirt Dress

Originally posted at: Porsha Williams’ Black Leather Dress