I read that question in a blog recently (sorry, I tried to find it again but didn’t have any luck). That was easy for me to answer — it’s curiosity. As I’ve said, my mantra starts with,
Stay curious and open to life.
Why is that so powerful? It keeps me from being bored, and it keeps me from becoming depressed as I spend a few hours every day keeping up with what is going on in the world. If there is something constructive I can do, then of course I do it. Otherwise I have more interesting things to think about. Like my balloon:
Seven weeks old
And my bean plant.
The two pods on the left have completely shriveled up, but they haven’t dropped off yet. Here’s picture of them from a different angle.
And the recent flower on one of the plants on the right is trying to produce another pod:
We will have to see what happens next.
Another example of curiosity as a superpower is when time- and thought-consuming problems come up. I’ve mentioned before that I’ve been training myself to have an alert mind in a relaxed body, but in fact what I’m really aiming for is a curious mind. When we get really curious we automatically turn on our parasympathetic nervous system and relax. We get into the flow state and concentrate on the process rather than worrying about outcomes. That means we gather information and retain it, and we practice our problem solving skills. Our effort compounds as time goes on and we get better and better at it.
Anyway, that’s what works for me. Do you have a superpower? If so, what is it?
February 7, 2026
Hmm, I don’t know that anything I do is really a super power. Of course lately I’ve been doing the deep breathing to calm the stress over all the weather. I suppose that could be a super power
That counts. 🙂
Not anymore! I was very good with horses.
🙂
…not that I know about!
🙂
That bean plant is amazing! I love it, and the balloon.
I’m surprised by both of them. 🙂
My ability to offend people:)
🙂
Goodness, I have never thought of having a superpower. Yours is an easy one to discern for sure. Now I need to think. I’ll have to ask Phil what he would think it is. Maybe I have NONE!
It’s fun to think about. 🙂
That was from Wednesday Hodgepodge.
That’s a great mantra! Good for you not being bored. I am filled with anxiety because I have too many things to clean out and get rid of, but can’t seem to face them. Your bean plant is very interesting. No superpower here!
🙂
I have never thought of having a superpower. I have good qualities that could be turned into some.
But I do understand what you mean about yourself – it keeps you young and alive.
🙂
Your bean plant looks good!
I’m surprised it lasted this long. 🙂
No real superpower here!
🙂
I used to think my hearing (v. listening) was my super-power. However, like most things, I find myself saying, “Huh?” more often than not.
I can relate to that. 🙂
Curiosity is everything!
Yes! 🙂
Curiosity is most definitely a superpower. Thank you for sharing 🙂
🙂
I don’t think I have a superpower, but I have always loved animals…and seem to connect very well with them.
I worked in a pet supply store from 1987 to 1996…the last 7 years as a manager, and one day a lady came in with her dog. This was fine, because we did not sell animals, only the supplies! And her dog was on a leash.
Anyway, the dog made a beeline towards me. This didn’t surprise me, because I have had many animals do this…even wild ones such as pigeons, seagulls, squirrels…
But the woman was shocked! She told me that her dog NEVER went up to anyone like that before!
I allowed the dog to sniff the outer part of one of my hands. Immediately the dog licked my hand and nudged me, wanting me to pet him!
It was a wonderful day, and needless to say, it made me smile.
I love experiences like that 🙂
I really like this reflection. Curiosity is such a powerful lens for life. It turns even small things, like watching your plants grow, into moments of discovery. Your approach to staying engaged and learning is inspiring.