Let’s talk about curiosity, eating enough protein, stretching your chest muscles, and combating back pain.
I recently asked some of you if you know your strengths and weaknesses and what actions you take (if any) to improve on them. One of my weaknesses is that I trust people to tell me the truth, leading me not to investigate or check their source. This has caused me pain and embarrassment in the past, so I am working on asking more questions and checking/verifying my own sources to validate whatever it is I have to share or teach. Below you will find three articles; one on curiosity, one regarding protein and the other on back pain. The first challenges me to work on my weakness regarding blind trust and the other two validate what I believe to be true regarding health and wellness. I hope you find them all helpful and informative. BG
The elements of Curiosity
If I could have told my younger self one thing, it would be have been to be more curious and ask more questions. Here are some thoughts to help my, and your present self:
From the mind of Bill Esteb:
I’ve frequently mentioned that curiosity can be a superpower, especially when paired with being a great listener. So, I’m often asked how one develops the skill (and it is a learned behavior) of curiosity. Here are some things I’ve observed:
Perceptive – Capable of discerning subtle changes in tone, body language, and the energy of others. Excellent at pattern recognition.
Awareness – There’s a macro view of the world in which they are not the center, but a participant.
Growth mindset – As a lifelong learner, their diverse areas of interest make them effective generalists.
Intellectually limber – Accepting of differing points of view, they have given up the need to be right.
Self-esteem – High levels of certainty offer the luxury of fearlessly entertaining opposing ideas without feeling threatened.
Present – By living in the now they avoid assumptions.
Comfortable being alone – Easily entertained by their own mind, they can be alone without being lonely.
NUTRITION FOR THE MONTH
While this article was written for women, the suggestions and ideas about eating enough protein in your diet applies to men as well.
EXERCISE FOR THE MONTH
You may notice that most of your day is spent in a flexed position – driving, sitting at a desk, bending over the sink, etc. What often happens is that your shoulders get tight from holding up your head and your chest muscles tighten up from the work you are doing in front of you. To help relax your shoulders (and neck muscles) I recommend doing this stretch at least twice a day.
STRATEGIES FOR COMBATING BACK PAIN
I couldn’t have said this better myself; you must be proactive, first with preventive strategies to stay balanced and mobile, and secondly, if/when your back really hurts to follow the suggestions in this article, which I have been saying for years.
https://www.self.com/story/back-pain-relief
THOUGHTS FOR THE MONTH
“The greatest happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved — loved for ourselves, or rather, loved in spite of ourselves.” – Victor Hugo
“Challenges are what make life interesting, and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.” Joshua J. Marine
HUMOR
When Diane found out she was pregnant, she told the good news to anyone who would listen. Her 4-year-old son, Sam, overheard some of his parent’s private conversations.
One day, when Diane and Sam were shopping, a woman asked Sam if he was excited about the new baby.
“Yes!” Sam said.
“Do you know if you’re getting a sister or a brother?” the woman inquired to entertain the boy.
“No,” exclaimed Sam, “but I know what we are going to name it.”
“Oh, that’s great, can you tell me?” continued the woman.
“If it’s a girl we’re going to call her Christina, and if it’s another boy we’re going to call it quits!” came the reply.