It is a happiness to wonder;
it is a happiness to dream.
When one thinks of Edgar Allan Poe, images of a dark or mysterious nature come to mind. Fall of the House of Usher, the Raven, and similarly dark works are likely why Poe remains popular today. But this quote invited me into one of my favorite states – curiosity.
To wonder is to be curious
A curious brain is a happy brain. Perhaps it is because throughout human history, the curious found alternative food sources, safer habitats, or were more likely to create inventions that increased their likelihood of survival. But didn’t “curiosity killed the cat?” Not before it had lived nine lives!
Curiosity and wonder are more comfortable states of being. Poe even equates them with happiness. I have found that when we approach challenging situations in life or difficult changes we must make with a sense of wonder (rather than dread) we make more progress AND have more fun on the journey.
When it comes to self-improvement, wondering beats worrying. Getting curious beats getting furious, too! Beating yourself up when you slip or falter? Like the Raven, I say, “Nevermore!”
Hmm…I wonder if they’ll actually try that!
Stay brave, awkward, and curious!
And DFTYA!
