The Wick In The Candle

What's up, dear Reader? The last two weeks have been full! If you read my last post, you might remember that we had a big snow storm in Boston and more has fallen since. 

Our "home team", the New England Patriots, made it to the Super Bowl, against the odds, with a young, rookie QB. Sadly, they were overwhelmed by a more experienced team, but there's always next year!

Most recently, the Olympics started, and I've been swept up in the excitement from Milan. 

All of these events have had an element of inspiration about them. Digging out from under the piles of snow and enduring single-digit temps; watching a team come from behind under the guidance of a coach who totally believed in them; and, hearing the stories and seeing the performances of athletes from around the world -- it's all been truly uplifting. 

Sometime in this last week, I came across a quote from someone I had never heard of before. I often think of motivational speakers coming into vogue around the 1970's. Zig Ziglar and Jim Rohn come to mind and then, more recently Tony Robbins and Les Brown. I discovered a "new" one when the following came across my desk: 

"Curiosity is the wick in the candle of learning."

It's credited to William Arthur Ward (1921-1994), an American motivational writer. As soon as I read that quote, I became very curious to find out more about him and especially his observations on life, and I was not disappointed.

I love to learn. It's not so much about school and education -- it's more about curiosity. I remember being in first grade and all of a sudden letters that seemed randomly connected became words. It felt like one minute it was a puzzle and next a new world opened up for me. One of my favorite places growing up was the local town library. I would ride my bike there at least once a week to drop off the books I read and get more. The librarian took me under her wing when I read all the "children's books" and wanted more. 

I also liked talking to people. I lived with my grandmother a lot of the first six years of my life. She would take me with her when she visited her friends and neighbors, and I would listen closely to their conversations. I spent a lot of time around adults since I was an only child for nine years and I loved learning from them. 

Inspiration goes hand in hand with curiosity. When we explore we uncover the unexpected. The snow caused me to find out what I needed to do with my car which was parked on the street. Watching my football team and reading how it was being built up again, by a coach who really wanted to encourage the players, after falling behind for a few years was so heartening. Looking into the backgrounds, hearing interviews, and watching performances of the Olympic athletes has been exhilarating.

Inspiration and curiosity also leads to caring. When we find out more of what's below the surface, we can become invested rather than having a superficial awareness. 

We all need motivation, every day; otherwise, we wouldn't even get out of bed in the morning. I heartily recommend that you become more curious and see where it leads you. I'll end this with some more thought-provoking encouragement from Mr. Ward, which I discovered through my curiosity!

The adventure of life is to learn.

The purpose of life is to grow.

The nature of life is to change. 

The challenge of life is to overcome. 

The essence of life is to care.

The opportunity of life is to serve.

The secret of life is to dare.

The spice of life is to befriend.

The beauty of life is to give. 

Sending Sparkles and Love Your Way!