Curiosity Fuels Lifelong Learning and Impacts Growth | Suburban Guest – Richelle

Editor’s Note

Dear World,

Most, if not all, of us have heard “curiosity kills the cat, but satisfaction brought it back”. Though it’s often repeated or referenced with just curiosity being the demise of the cat, the phrase stood out when Richelle – this entry’s guest – shared the piece with me. You know, what is it about curiosity that we can even use to inspire readers?

Sure enough, the piece you’re about to read is inspiration wrapped up nicely in a cute bow of encouraging and well-intended reminders and slight wake-up calls. Because why aren’t we continuously curious enough the expand our horizons?!

This one was mostly a reminder than a wake-up call for me as I tend to wonder the “what if” and the “how” that Richelle consistently speaks of throughout the piece. I’ve done so many things and have engaged on quite a few journeys that have scared me, or even those that had me wondering if I was good enough. However, I was curious and brave enough to try. Some were wins and some were total learning moments.

The point is, I didn’t die, and you won’t either.

So, stay curious and check out Richelle’s glorious words for us.

Though the messages written, edited, and shared by Suburban Guests may resonate with The Suburban Girl JA®, they are not our own and they do not necessarily reflect the thoughts and ideals we value.

Signed,

The Suburban Girl JA®


The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existence.

Albert Einstein

We always hear it: “No question is stupid”. Indeed, questions were meant to be asked yet the irony of that is, if you were brought up in a Caribbean household, there’s no doubt you asked a question and then got hit with: “What type of question is that?” Oftentimes, it’s by the same people who opened the door and encouraged the question. It never fails to amaze me.

From as early as I can remember, I’ve always had questions; some big, some small, and some that didn’t really need an answer but sparked something in me anyway. I think that’s the beauty of curiosity. It’s not just about getting answers; it’s about being open enough to explore, to wonder, and to grow.

Whether it was asking “why?” one too many times as a child or staying up late watching documentaries that stretched my imagination, curiosity has always led me to new understandings. It’s not something reserved for school or formal learning. It’s a way of moving through life open-hearted, wide-eyed, and willing to learn.

With my interest being in media and psychology, they are perfect career choices that allow my curious mind to run as freely as it wants in most cases. In fact, it’s one of the many things I love about being me. That said, here’s what I’ve come to realise: curiosity isn’t a phase, it’s a gift; one that keeps giving, especially when we choose to nurture it.

In a World of Know-It-Alls, Stay a Learner

It’s easy to feel like we have to always have it figured out; to know all the right answers, present ourselves as experts, or appear certain. However, what if real strength lies not in knowing everything, but in wanting to know more?

Curiosity reminds us that there’s always more to discover about the world, about others, and most importantly, about ourselves. It pushes us beyond our comfort zones, encourages us to listen, and fuels a deeper connection with life itself.

Lifelong learning isn’t about having a stack of degrees or certifications. It’s about adopting a mindset that says, “I’m open. I’m teachable. I’m still growing.”

Life Lessons from Curiosity

Here are a few gentle but powerful truths that curiosity has taught me. Maybe they’ll resonate with you too:

Curiosity TruthWhat it represents
Growth Begins with a QuestionEvery major shift in my life started with a moment of wondering. “What if I tried this?” “Why does this feel important?” “How can I do better?” Asking questions, even scary ones, opens doors we didn’t even know existed.
You Don’t Have to Know Everything to StartWe often hold back because we feel we’re not ‘ready’. Curiosity quiets that fear. It says, “You may not know it all, but you can learn along the way.” Progress isn’t about perfection; it’s about persistence.
Mistakes Are Part of the JourneyCuriosity isn’t afraid of getting it wrong. In fact, it welcomes it. Every misstep teaches us something new. When we stop being afraid to fail, we start being free to grow.
Learning Isn’t Just for the YoungThere’s no age limit on learning. Whether you’re 16, 60, or older, your mind can stretch, adapt, and evolve. Curiosity keeps us youthful, not in age but in attitude.
Curiosity Connects UsWhen we’re curious about others – their stories, experiences, beliefs, we build bridges. We become better listeners, more compassionate humans, and less quick to judge.

Staying Curious: A “How to” Guide

Curiosity, like any muscle, needs intentional exercise. So, here are a few simple ways to keep that spark alive:

  • Ask “Why?” (and then ask again): Don’t just take things at face value. Dig a little deeper into your feelings, your habits, and your beliefs. Be willing to explore the “why?” behind the “what?.”
  • Read Widely: Pick up books, blogs, or articles outside your usual interests. You’ll be surprised what new perspectives can teach you.
  • Try Something New: Sign up for a class. Visit a museum. Watch a documentary. Cook a new recipe. Start small but, start.
  • Be Present in Conversations: Instead of waiting to reply, listen to understand. Ask people about their journeys. Their answers might inspire something in you. Honestly, one of the blessings of studying psychology and being the host of a podcast for me is that I am able to communicate better and evoke thoughts. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve always been a good communicator. However, now it has stepped up a few notches.
  • Challenge Your Comfort Zone(s): Growth rarely happens in the familiar. When you feel the itch to retreat, ask yourself: “What can I learn if I lean in?

Growing Through Curiosity

Life isn’t a checklist of accomplishments. It’s a continuous unfolding. And curiosity? That’s the compass. When you stay curious, you stay open. When you stay open, you stay growing. And when you grow, you become more in tune with your purpose, your passion, and your place in the world. There’s so much beauty in not knowing it all. So much freedom in being a learner instead of an expert.

Life isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about living the questions, one day at a time.

So here’s to the explorers. The question-askers. The ones who choose wonder over certainty. May your curiosity always lead you to places your comfort zone never could.

Take a moment today to follow your curiosity it might just lead you to your next big breakthrough.

From my playlist: check out Future Makers by Jeverson


Read Richelle’s previous entry to The Suburban Guest blog series! -> The Balance Between Rest and Hustle. In the post, Richelle explores the tension between ambition and well-being in a culture that glorifies constant productivity. Drawing from personal experience, including a wake-up call during a school presentation, she reflects on how hustle culture can lead to burnout, physical exhaustion, and emotional strain. The post challenges the myth that rest equals laziness and reframes rest as a vital, intentional act of self-respect and emotional intelligence.


Richelle T Henry is a creative soul & carrier of light dabbling in areas of blogging and podcasting. She’s the brainchild behind the her personal blog (which is titled with her name) and podcast, Power Nugget with RTH where she has meaning conversations to motivate and inspire. She has a passion for both media and psychology and an advocate for Persons with Disabilities & chronic illnesses.

Connect with Richelle on her blog: https://richellethenry.wordpress.com
LinkedIn: Richelle T Henry | Instagram @richelle_t_henry | Facebook @Richelle MsRoyal T. Henry

One comment

Leave a reply to RichelleTHenry Cancel reply