I’m thrilled to share this blog post with you! Growing up in a village, I can attest that village life has its unique perks. Today, I want to reflect on some valuable Lessons from Village Life that shaped my understanding of curiosity.
During holidays, our extended family members would travel from far and wide to join us for family gatherings. We eagerly awaited their arrival, and on the day we heard they were coming, chores were temporarily forgotten—our only task was to run from the home compound to the main road to spot them.
Why were we so curious?
We knew our visitors would bring gifts from the city—things we weren’t accustomed to in the village. While our typical breakfast consisted of tea with sweet potatoes, arrowroot, or cassava, our city relatives guaranteed a treat: soft queen cakes with tea. The thrill was palpable! In turn, our cousins were just as excited to experience village life and taste our local fare, showcasing yet another of the Lessons from Village Life—the joy of sharing experiences and traditions.
Another priceless aspect of these visits was the chance to practice speaking English with our cousins, who weren’t familiar with our ethnic language. To this day, I laugh with my sister about how we almost lost our teeth trying to communicate with them!
What Exactly is Curiosity?
In my experience, curiosity embodies that can’t-wait feeling to discover, learn, and explore—the itchiness of anticipation, if you will! The Oxford Dictionary defines it as a strong desire to know or learn something.
Consider children for a moment. When they want to find something out, they are relentless—trust me, you’ll end up giving up before they do. Their inquiries are fueled by an insatiable desire to feel satisfied, using every tool at their disposal to achieve it. This determination reflects one of the fundamental Lessons from Village Life: the importance of persistence and the power of asking questions.
What am I saying?
Their curiosity is never-ending, so they’re constantly coming up with questions and solutions. But what happens as we get older? We start to believe that curiosity is for children, and we are too big to ask questions. I’m challenging you to overthrow this belief. Curiosity is still as important in adulthood.
Curiosity Allows You to Find Solutions
Let me share a personal example. I work in healthcare and recently launched a YouTube channel. It would be naïve to think I know everything about growing an online presence, so I joined a community of fellow YouTubers for support.
I ask questions because I recognize that to improve and achieve my goals, I need valuable tips and skills. Being willing to ask the right questions is essential, another insight gleaned from the Lessons from Village Life.
You’ve probably heard the saying, “Success leaves clues.” This phrase inspires lifelong learning and the spirit of curiosity. Like children who persistently seek answers until they’re satisfied, we should embrace this mindset until we succeed. That’s the kind of curiosity I’m advocating, stemming from the rich Lessons from Village Life.
Contrary to popular belief, most successful people are willing to share their experiences—especially when approached with genuine interest and thoughtful questions.
Related: Finding Strength In Weakness
A Few Takeaways on Cultivating Curiosity
When you face setbacks, let your curiosity guide you. Identify individuals who have overcome similar challenges. What strategies did they use? Who did they learn from? Reach out, ask questions, and glean insights from their experiences.
Remember, success often leaves breadcrumbs in the form of those who have achieved it. By asking the right questions and genuinely engaging with others, you’ll receive valuable guidance, connect on a deeper level, and potentially foster lifelong friendships—truly the essence of the Lessons from Village Life.
