A Year of Curious Living

Essays
Written By Nathan Box

This is about more than resolutions I will never keep. This is about dedicating myself to an idea. Boldly questioning and taking advantage of new opportunities, are now guiding principles in a mission statement summing up the best of who I would love to be. My 2015 won't be consumed with weight, debt or how much I volunteer. While all of those aims are worthwhile, I want my year to be defined by curious living. 

But, what does this mean? It is about being unafraid and far from hesitant of the moment. Every day, new opportunities arise. A year of curious living is about recognizing those moments and seizing them. This is not about becoming a "Yes Man." Not everything that falls in my lap is worth my time. Rather, this is about living a life with my eyes wide open. 

To live this way, I have to take some big risks. I might move. I might travel. I might make that trip across the bar. To do these things, I have to respect the voice in my head that screams embarrassment. In 2015, I want to summon more bravery than ever before. 

And when I do, I will decide to be happy. No matter the outcome. 2014 was such a depressing year. It was filled with so many depressing moments, but it also possessed moments where I could have chosen my attitude. In this coming year, the choice is mine and I choose to be happy. 

Finally, this whole experiment is about being a little selfish. If the previous year provided any lessons, the biggest one had to be; my days are numbered and I am promised nothing. So, while I will continue to live by the creed of this life not being my own, I am also choosing to focus on my well being. My relationships, my health and mental well being are all going to be front and center. 

I have no way of knowing if this grand experiment will work, but it feels right. It feels like a natural progression. The hardest part will be changing my mindset and putting these things into practice. I am hoping you can help with that. 

 

Thanks for entering my world, 

-Nathan 

Nathan Box
Hello! My name is Nathan. I've always believed I would meet that special someone in one of two places; either a record store or a book store. Maybe I need to amend? I moved to Seattle in February of 2011 from Oklahoma City (Try and not hold the Sonics/Thunder thing against me). I knew I wanted to work for a nonprofit and go to grad school. Within a couple of months, I was doing both. During the day, I work as a Fund Developer and Community Relations Manager for a nonprofit in Kent and at night I try to stay as busy as possible volunteering, trying new restaurants, finding hidden bars and exploring Seattle. The past few years has been both terrifying and exhilarating. I have done things on my own I didn’t think were within my capability. I love being outdoors. On any given weekend, I can be found hiking, on a road trip, volunteering, at a museum, seeing a movie (I see a lot of them). I am passionate about nonprofit work. I feel called to leave a mark on this world. Nothing against those who enjoy making tons of money, I just need to know I am making a difference.
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