little Happy Meeting - v. 5

Hey Sherlock,

Happiness, true authentic happiness is strongly connected to an important human quality — a character strength that can be developed to improve relationships and increase performance in academic and work settings. Wanna know what it is? I’m pretty sure you guessed (yup, it’s curiosity).

Let’s get serious about being curious.

We know that kids have a trillion questions and that the reservoir tends to dry up as we age (think: old fogeys set in their ways). But, curiosity can be cultivated and it is wise to do so. Why (I hope you asked)? Because curious people are happier. Curiosity also:

• is associated with greater work and life satisfaction.

• increases work and academic achievement.

• protects against mental and physical decline.

• helps us stay abreast of our constantly changing world (and is important for survival).

• makes you more fun and interesting!

• is related to the release of dopamine and other positive chemicals (when we are exposed to new things).

• strengthens social and romantic relationships, by showing a genuine interest in others.

While curiosity without judgment can get us into trouble, the benefits far outweigh the risks. Curiosity can and should be cultivated. The next challenge (discussed after a bit of mindless trivia) will incrementally (if repeated) develop or reinforce your curious mind and, ultimately, boost your happiness. The more you do it, the greater the reward! Remember, you don’t have to be happy 24/7, but you can increase the amount of time you spend in this happy state by doing the weekly challenges.

Curious minds want to know.

Some random facts I learned along the way.

• Ketchup used to be used as medicine (it’s still medicine to me).

• A sloth can hold its breath longer than a dolphin (What? Really?).

• All fruit loops are the same flavor (despite color difference).

• Rats will laugh out loud if you tickle them (why and how was this discovered?).

• Australia is wider than the moon.

• Scotland’s national animal is a unicorn (well played, Scots!).

• Switzerland prohibits the purchase of just one guinea pig (Swiss politician: “I declare, that no Swiss pig shall ever be lonely”).

• McDonald’s serves “McSpaghetti” in the Philippines.

• Before TP, people used to use corn husks (youch!)

• PEZ candy was created to help smokers quit. Too bad the originals were round and in tins — A smoke-free, Snoopy world is one I want to live in.

Try it, you might like it!

Ask questions. Take a stroll and observe. Register for a class on a topic of interest. Argue a point that is opposite your own. All great ways to improve your curiosity. The next challenge, however, asks you to step outside of your comfort zone and do something you have either been too afraid to try or think you may not like. Caveat: for it to work, you must keep an open mind and give it an honest try. Some suggestions (but any non-routine activity will do):

1. Take a goat yoga class

2. Go to a disco, rodeo, or escape room.

3. Get colored pencils and color in an adult coloring book.

4. Join a club (Squirrel Watchers of Ann Arbor, maybe?)

5. Try fly fishing, crabbing (very fun), or noodling (or just regular ole fishin’).

6. Prepare a coq au vin, Borscht, or etouffee

7. Plan a hypothetical vacation and research where you want to stay, visit, and eat.

8. Celebrate a favorite historical figure’s birthday (we celebrate Abe Lincoln’s — complete with candled cake and homemade stovepipe hats).

9. Drive a different way to work (you can blame me if you’re late).

10. Go out at a different time of day/night.