Most of us are taught that “there is no such thing a stupid question.” We are told to “raise our hands to answer a question” and even “question authority.”
Our young children ask us “Why is the sky blue?” And as we age, we wonder “What is the meaning of life?”
Sometimes we ask questions without really wanting to know the answer.
Often I think of the question after the opportunity is lost.
As I’m preparing for this Indonesian adventure I feel like I’m lost in between the child and the adult – knowing I need to ask the right question, but so bewildered I cannot form it. The child in me wants to have answers to everything; what will I eat? Will I be safe? How will I talk to my kids? Will I have everything I need?
The adult knows so much of it will have to play out on its own; the experience will be what I make of it.
The child in me wants to know the who, what, when, where and why…the adult in me doesn’t want too much information to stir up my anxiety.
So I stop and consider the questions that are truly important:
What will I learn from this adventure?
How can I use this experience to better my family, my community and my world?
When I’m outside of my comfort zone, what will I draw on to have the courage to leap into the unknown?
I’ll let you know when the answers come to me.
Jennifer Wolfe
Jennifer Wolfe, a writer-teacher-mom, is dedicated to finding the extraordinary in the ordinary moments of life by thinking deeply, loving fiercely, and teaching audaciously. Jennifer is a Google Certified Educator, Hyperdoc fanatic, and a voracious reader. Read her stories on her blog, mamawolfe, and grab free copies of her teaching and parenting resources.
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Comments: 8
My Inner Chick
July 19, 2012Ooo, Mama W,
Go into your adventure as a child…
Feel everything. Savor everything. Be everything.
The rest will come.
Love. Xx
Jennifer Wolfe
July 19, 2012Thank you, Kim. Now that I’ve had some sleep in a horizontal position I feel much more able to take it on!
Laura@Catharsis
July 19, 2012Great questions. Right now, my son plays the 756, 486 questions a day game, mostly because he’s 4 but also because he can’t stand to sit quietly for even one instant. And instead of being irritated or exhausted, I should be encouraging. Questions are good. Now if I could only figure out how to ask the right ones myself…
Jennifer Wolfe
July 19, 2012Laura, I’d say get good practice answering his questions now, so when the really big ones come in a few years you are prepared and able to deal with them! Enjoy 4…I loved it!
Bisnis masa depan
July 19, 2012nice
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Jennifer Wolfe
July 19, 2012Thank you for commenting.
Michael Ann
July 18, 2012That’s a great way to shift your energy. Good luck, Jennifer. I can’t think of a more deserving person to get this opportunity. Can’t wait to hear all about it!
Jennifer Wolfe
July 18, 2012Thank you! Just landed in Hong Kong…longest flight ever, but turned out well. One more leg and I’m there!