Remaining a curious woman after 50 is one of the ways I find purpose. I am always on the lookout!

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I feel a rush of ‘joie de vivre’ when I am a curious woman. Just hearing the word puts me on a high. In today’s Sunday Story I want to share with you the benefits of being a curious woman after 50.

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WHAT IS BESS CAMPBELL’S CURIOSITY?

In my mind, a curious woman is an open minded young woman eager to know and eager to learn. She is intrigued and inquisitive, often exploring self help books to better understand herself and the world. She finds inspiration in the works of authors like Lee Winter, and she seeks out stimulating environments—perhaps a hip gallery where art and ideas collide. She is aware that to be interesting, she must be interested! She is never bored. Curiosity fills her mind and her spirit.

Honestly, I believe women over 50 and beyond enter the most creative chapter of their lives—inspiration is at its peak if she does not let life’s hills and valleys and aging diminish her. This curiosity makes characters believable, as it adds depth and relatability to their unique traits and backgrounds. (It is when I started a business!)

I will be frank: when life throws us its ‘woes’—and it will—it is easy to lose one’s sense of self-importance. I speak from painful experience. As you know my ultimate concierge is not well. My life changed on a dime. It went from ‘whip cream to shit.’ Everything changed in my life and I mean everything. An ill husband. Estrangement from my family. All the normal goodies of my life vanished.

Grace, Grit, and Glam: Traits of an Empowered Woman Over 50

HOW CURIOSITY SAVES ME

It has been a few years, and through my experience of living a life often filled with feelings of despair, I have found my footing — I know it is vital to remain curious, and thankfully, I am a very curious woman. Curiosity drives the entire story of one’s life, adding depth and complexity to our experiences.

Curiosity is the ultimate in self-care because it reignites positive thinking. Whether I’m diving into crime fiction with an Agatha Christie-esque flair or observing a hipster bicycle cruising past a café, it fires up my strong desire to continue opening the windows of the mind and breathe in fresh air. It brings hope and excitement, like discovering a new storytelling method or the art of story weaving, where life’s moments become meaningful narratives.

Curiosity prevents every woman from suffocating. It is so refreshing to breathe in fresh air with a new interest or an old one — perhaps one that reminds me of bedtime tales I used to tell my baby sister. A curious mind gives you back some of your vibrancy even when you feel you carry the weight of the world on your shoulders.

A woman in despair who is having trouble jump-starting her mental engine must force herself to have the insight and fortitude to rearrange her DNA — her destiny and aspirations. My suggestion: Find a project that gives you an abundance of joy and a feeling of self-worth. I assure you that well-sourced projects will enhance an attitude adjustment, keeping your fascinatingly creative juice flowing.

Thinking back on my larger-than-life hiccups going back into my 30s until now — the loss of financial well-being in my first marriage, moving to Honolulu, widowhood, cancer, estrangement from my family, and my ultimate concierge’s illness — I used my mind to survive. I was and am curiously curious for solutions.

HOPE MARGARET PROPELS A CURIOUS WOMAN

I believe in magic because I am a curious woman after 50!

I never thought of myself as a strong woman because I am very feminine, and I believe a woman’s femininity is her greatest asset. But, truth be told, I am strong — not in the traditional sense of a businesswoman, but in the way I approach life with unwavering hope and curiosity. That same sense of curiosity is what inspired my debut novel, where I poured my heart into every word, allowing my writing style to reflect the strength and vulnerability I see in women every day. In many stories, the main character’s behaviour often reflects their curiosity and hope, driving the plot and engaging readers.

You may feel very vulnerable at this time in your life, but you are nevertheless strong. Most women are. Practice becoming curious — much like mystery lovers drawn to unravel hidden truths — especially in endeavors that bring you joyful pleasure, and you will survive and thrive. As I mentioned, curiosity is self-care. And in both life and character development, it’s often curiosity and hope that shape the most powerful journeys. Curiosity can also lead to unexpected and meaningful relationships, much like the slow-burn lesbian romance in many cozy mysteries, where protagonists from contrasting backgrounds gradually develop a deep connection.

Bring back that woman of substance attitude. Allow yourself to lean into beckoning back your curiosity. Curiosity will give you the feelings of relevancy and visibility.

Don’t allow yourself to be a passive woman over 50 and beyond. Instead, be curious! Isn’t that a grand idea?

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THE BENEFITS OF BEING A CURIOUS WOMAN

Everyone who has a problem or is lacking purpose and positivity after 50 and beyond should add a little ‘awe’ into their life. Being curious is awesome. It gives us joy, excitement, knowledge, anticipation and even the feeling of serenity.

Curiosity helps create a more realistic world by encouraging exploration and understanding.

Can you sit back for a moment and consider something that piqued your curiosity recently? Can you remember your emotions and feeling in awe?

It is pure wonderment.

For instance, you can’t put down a great book late at night because it has you curious, or you are going to meet your newborn grandchild and you are tantalized with curiosity. Or you find a new brand of tea, and, because you are curious, you don’t pass on it — you buy it. You see, darlings, even those of you who do not think you have a curious side are still curious at times.

In my own opinion, curiosity brings personal benefits that are invaluable. It opens up new experiences and perspectives, making life richer and more fulfilling.

CURIOSITY IS THE WAY TO GET UNSTUCK

For those of you, and I know plenty of women, who have but a few spurts of curiosity, I think fear and a negative life jolt prevents you from being curious explorers. I have friends that are stuck in their same old routines because they fear taking a risk. New challenges would never enter their minds; they are afraid of uncertainty. They don’t feel the opportunity to grow through learning and discovery. My advice: spread your wings until your last breath. Great humor can help overcome fear and negativity, making the journey more enjoyable.

A friend of mine was the oldest woman to climb up the steep trails to visit the silverback gorillas in Rwanda. She could have been carried up in a hammock, as many older people are, but not this woman. And, my darlings, nothing stopped her. Not fear, not arthritis, not her husband. Instead, she lived out her dream because she was curious!

I am fortunate to have a role model, a mother, who left her mark on me. Nothing escaped her curiosity. I observed her learning this and trying that and going here and there and laughing hard through life. She questioned everything. She always propelled herself forward, saying, “I am curious. Let’s see what happens.” My mother was a beyond  curious woman. Her curiosity was her way to truth prove her beliefs and experiences, always seeking to uncover personal truths.

CULTIVATING CURIOSITY IN DAILY LIFE

Cultivating curiosity in daily life can have a profound impact on our relationships, personal growth, and overall well-being. Just like Bess Campbell, the protagonist of “A Curious Woman,” we can all benefit from embracing our curiosity and exploring the world around us. Here are some ways to cultivate curiosity in daily life:

• Practice Open-Mindedness: Be willing to consider different perspectives and ideas, just like Bess does when she moves to the windswept Australian coastal town of Port Bannir. Embracing new viewpoints can lead to fascinating discoveries and a more enriched life.
• Ask Questions: Don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek answers, whether it’s about a particular topic or a person’s experiences. Curiosity drives us to learn more and understand better.
• Explore New Places: Visit new places, try new foods, and engage in new activities to broaden your horizons and spark curiosity. Whether it’s a hip gallery or a quaint café, new environments can ignite your sense of wonder.
• Read Widely: Read books, articles, and online content from various genres and topics to expand your knowledge and curiosity. Dive into a creatively intriguing tale weaved by authors like Lee Winter or explore a good murder mystery to keep your mind engaged.
• Engage in Creative Activities: Engage in creative activities like art, music, or writing to tap into your imagination and curiosity. Let your fascinatingly creative juice flow and see where it takes you.

THE BENEFITS OF CURIOSITY IN RELATIONSHIPS

Curiosity can play a significant role in building and maintaining healthy relationships. When we’re curious about others, we’re more likely to listen actively, ask questions, and show genuine interest in their lives. This can lead to deeper connections, stronger bonds, and more meaningful relationships. Here are some benefits of curiosity in relationships:

• Deeper Connections: Curiosity can help us build deeper connections with others by showing genuine interest in their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. It’s like the slow burn romance in a well-crafted story, where each layer of understanding brings you closer.
• Improved Communication: Curiosity can improve communication by encouraging active listening, asking questions, and clarifying assumptions. It’s the foundation of a really funny stuff that makes conversations lively and engaging.
• Increased Empathy: Curiosity can increase empathy by helping us understand others’ perspectives and experiences. It’s about stepping into someone else’s shoes and seeing the world through their eyes.
• Stronger Bonds: Curiosity can strengthen bonds by creating a sense of mutual interest and respect. It’s like the earnest Bess sweeping through life, always eager to learn and connect.
• More Meaningful Relationships: Curiosity can lead to more meaningful relationships by fostering a deeper understanding and connection with others. It’s about finding joy in the quirky characters and oddball museum of life.

OVERCOMING OBSTACLES TO CURIOSITY

Despite the benefits of curiosity, there are often obstacles that can hinder our ability to cultivate it. Here are some common obstacles to curiosity and ways to overcome them:

• Fear of the Unknown: Fear of the unknown can hold us back from exploring new ideas, places, and experiences. To overcome this, start small by taking calculated risks and gradually increasing your comfort zone. Remember, even the ice queen can melt with a little warmth and curiosity.
• Lack of Time: Lack of time can be a significant obstacle to curiosity. To overcome this, prioritize time for exploration, learning, and creativity. Make it a part of your daily routine, like a sweet serve of self-care.
• Self-Doubt: Self-doubt can hold us back from pursuing our curiosity. To overcome this, focus on building self-confidence and embracing your strengths and weaknesses. Think of it as a thrilling oddities adventure where every step is a learning experience.
• Distractions: Distractions can derail our curiosity. To overcome this, set aside dedicated time for exploration and learning, and minimize distractions during that time. Create a space where your fascinatingly creative juice can flow uninterrupted.
• Fear of Failure: Fear of failure can hold us back from taking risks and exploring new ideas. To overcome this, reframe failure as an opportunity for growth and learning. Embrace the story weaving of life, where every twist and turn adds to your unique narrative.

By addressing these obstacles, you can cultivate a curious mindset that enriches your life and keeps you engaged and inspired. Remember, curiosity is the key to a vibrant and fulfilling life, no matter your age.

MY ADVICE TO YOU

A curious woman is never bored!

So this is my advice. Be bold. Take risks. Don’t be confined. I know many of you haven’t lived out your own dreams because you are scared or stuck in your opinions and a set- way of life. Curiosity can help a plumper woman embrace her unique identity.

But NOW is Your Time…

The children have left. You may be retired. Maybe you are downsizing and moving. You have time for self-care. Be curious. Get familiar with your new needs and think outside the box. You have freedom. What are you going to do with your time? You are going to become a curious woman after 50 and beyond and until your last breath! Embrace the diversity of experiences, whether you see yourself as a plumper woman or a skinny lady, and let curiosity guide you.

Here’s how you can be a curious woman after 50 in lesbian fiction

1. Curious Conversations. Ask questions of your friends and others. You will learn. Once I asked my friend about her upcoming trip to Dubai. She told me she and her husband were going to a Spa in the desert. My ultimate concierge and I were in Dubai a few years prior. We decided to go back that May. Because I had a conversation and was curious about her trip, look what I learned.
2. Give Something New a Try. I started writing a journal in my sixties. Now I own an online magazine and I am a full-time writer. I understand the internet and social media platforms. All of this happened because I was not afraid to be curious to learn new skills. Here are some wonderful hobby ideas for women over 50.
3. Don’t Be Afraid if You Stumble Into Something New. Open yourself up when you stumble, by chance, onto something. This has happened so many times in my life. I stumbled into forming my Focus Group. I invited a few women to a one-time meeting at my home because a young advertising man wanted to learn what women over 50 and beyond found interesting. After the meeting I was curious if women over 50 would like to meet monthly and discuss life issues. I thought about it for two weeks then said to myself, “Why not?!” I made the appropriate phone calls and not one woman turned me down. Our group survived until my ultimate concierge and I moved away.
4. When a big problem strikes, don’t forget to practice self-care. Find an avenue that piques your fancy or return to your past pleasures.
5. Explore New Places. Visit an odd ball museum or a crazy modern gallery to spark curiosity and discover new interests.

THE TAKEAWAY: LEE WINTER

Remember, older is happier. Coco Chanel reminds us that “Nature gives you the face you have when you are twenty. Life shapes the face you have at thirty. But it is up to you to earn the face you have at fifty.” So my darling, don’t fear opening a new door. Pursue your passion. You don’t want to look back with regret, and you don’t want to look forward to nothing. Ride your wave. BE CURIOUS! 

What’s one way you remain curious? Do you have any questions for me? Please share in the comment section below. 

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