top of page

Curiosity Is Key to Understanding

Melissa Moore

Instead of making rash judgments about people and situations, what would happen if instead we got curious? I admit to having an insatiable curiosity about life. The older I get the more I realize how little I really know. At the core of this curiosity is a desire to understand people and what has made them who they are today. Even as a kid I loved watching 60 Minutes, because I enjoyed learning on a deeper level. Yes, I was probably a nerdy kid before that was even cool and today my curiosity and somewhat nerdy nature are no different. One of the biggest discoveries in adulthood has been the arc of curiosity. It starts with getting curious, finding commonalities, developing a connection and eventually personal growth.


It's easy to quickly judge people and situations, the challenge is to be inquisitive versus judgmental. Not an easy mindset, but when I practice being inquisitive it's a game changer in my work and personal relationships. Being curious means asking questions, versus making rash statements and judgements. This is still a process for me and probably always will be, because when someone hurts me or those I love I find it very hard to be curious. Serenity now!


In my life I have seen a quest for knowledge transform my perception more times than not. It's ranged from thinking I disliked someone, only to getting to know them on an intimate level and realizing how much we have in common. One of my closest friendships today started with a big wedge of assumptions between us. When we finally sat down and talked, we found we had a lot in common, including perceived hurts and slides. We asked questions, opened up and found a commonality as women and mothers that eventually developed into respect, admiration and deep friendship. I still thank her for the day she reached out and asked if we could get coffee and clear the air. Her willingness to get uncomfortable taught me a lot, and helped me look differently at people and situations.


I was reminded of this recently watching President Jimmy Carter's funeral. From the friendly tap between President Bush and President Obama to the eulogy written for President Carter by his dear friend President Ford. Witnessing these friendships I also witnessed respect and kindness from men who have very different ideologies. Yes, this is a very small and elite club, but I also know that these men and women looked beyond their differences and bonded over what they had in common as people.


Just recently, I had what could have been a frustrating experience at my local Walgreens. I was running into the store and found the store basically empty, minus the one cashier beelining towards the back area of the store. After several minutes of standing alone at the counter, I saw another cashier approaching several aisles over. She was stocking the candy and obviously couldn't see me, so I called out "Hi, excuse me - wondering if I could get your help." She didn't look my way or even acknowledge that she heard me. I got closer and said a little louder the same thing. Still, no response. Finally I walked up and stood in front of her smiling and said, "Hi, just wondering if you could help me get some photos and check-out?". As she turned and looked at me she smiling I saw why she didn't hear me. She had two hearing aides and was apologetically signing and saying she was sorry at the same time. She hadn't been ignoring me or being rude, she truly couldn't hear me.


This woman exuded a kindness in all that she was doing. As I was leaving the store I heard her ask the approaching young sales cashier (the one who had beelined to the back) if she was feeling better. The young girl told her thank you for watching the front of the store, because she wasn't feeling well and had to run to the bathroom. The whole situation unfolded and now made sense. In that moment leaving the store I felt this wave of compassion wash over me and gratitude for these two women. I was also thankful that instead of flipping out and getting irritated, I was actually more curious about what was going on.


This curiousity and how I have seen it transform my own life is why I'm starting a new podcast, appropriately titled 'The Curious Mind with Melissa Moore'. I am so excited about this podcast because it is a chance for me to ask questions, dig deeper and introduce people with amazing stories. It really is my goal that you'll listen and become more curious about people and life right alongside me. xox







Recent Posts

See All

1 Comment


laurarector
8 hours ago

Hi Melissa,


First of all, I'm super excited about your podcast! I consider myself a lifetime learner and I'm curious about so many things. I also looking forward to your GF DF recipes, as I've been GF for a little over a year and still struggling to settle in.


Second, I love the Walgreens story! As a flight attendant we never know why people are flying. It could be for a funeral, wedding, vacation or work, so it's best to always be kind and forgiving. The passengers also don't know what kind of day or week I've had, so I try to give them grace, while gently reminding them that I'm human too.


Thanks for all you do!

Laura

Like

© 2019-2025 by Melissa Moore Media.

bottom of page