Curiosity 2026

“Let go of certainty. The opposite isn’t uncertainty. It’s openness, curiosity and a willingness to embrace paradox, rather than choose up sides. The ultimate challenge is to accept ourselves exactly as we are, but never stop trying to learn and grow.”  Tony Schwartz

This week’s conversation is about curiosity, and I have reflected on this for the past few days.  What keeps me doing what I do, both at work and during my personal time?  What drives me?

I know that I have taken the scenic route to social work, I often speak about falling into this field when provided the opportunity to apply for a new project position at our local not for profit.  I was studying business at the time, and the local university were asked who would be suitable and/or available for this trial project as a hospital based financial counsellor?  My name was bandied around and after the interview process – I became a financial counsellor.  It didn’t take me long to realise that financial counselling was not business based.  With the support of my Manager, I then changed my degree to social work once I had completed 2 years of subjects.

My curiosity at the time, was reaffirming that ill health impacts on all aspects of a person and their family.  Not only in financial terms, but also socially and emotionally, which can lead to mental illness.  This is still true today.  I see many people in my space who have fatigue, whether carer fatigue or caused by accidents, such as Workcover or Victims of crime.  Mental and physical health often go hand in hand and then the people are in new “systems” which can be difficult to manage, especially when unwell.

For me, this curiosity has always been present, it was just beneath the surface as I had experienced this in my early life with a father who health issues, was unable to work.  This enforced poverty influenced me without my knowledge for a very long time.  This along with other memories from this time to current days – continues to expand and has become more obvious as time and conversations have gone by.

Stories from family, friends and clients have influenced and continue to influence this narrative.  Stories of hardship, survival and thriving despite the adversity.  I have recently purchased two new books for my library collection and am keen to devour these as well.  The books come highly recommended.

Curiosity outside my work life, is still about my self-care journey and what keeps me well despite the work that I do.  I continue to explore and attempt to find my creative side, which is not necessarily about the outcome but the process.