Presence Pulse: The Curious "Why" of Toddlers

Hey mid-career parents,?

Here is a sneak peek of my newsletter, Presence Pulse.

Welcome to this sneak peek edition of the Presence Pulse newsletter! Together, we explore the profound meaning behind toddlers' constant questioning of "why" and how it resonates with the experiences of mid-career parents.

Recently, my eldest child asked me why our toddler was asking “why” all the time??

Without thinking, I responded “because he wants to understand the meaning of the words we are saying”.

I stopped myself… and thought... “Wow! That’s quite profound.”

While tired, and foggy in thought, after a restless night for all of us, I realised I had?just impressed myself.

There is probably?a lesson in there somewhere for me to explore later, I briefly pondered.

And… now this edition of Presence Pulse is the result of that later exploration.?

The Curious "Why" of Toddlers

If you have experienced parenting?a toddler, you know that their relentless "why" questions can both inspire wonder and evoke moments of parental overwhelm. My own toddler is no exception. At first, I found myself caught off guard by the never-ending stream of inquiries. Upon deeper reflection, I recognised there is something truly special about this curiosity.

The Quest for Understanding

My toddler’s "why" questions are more than just?expressions of curiosity; they are his way of grasping the world around him. Each "why" he poses is an opportunity for him to unlock the secrets of the universe, to make sense of the complex reality that unfolds before his innocent eyes. Witnessing his thirst for knowledge has made me re-appreciate the incredible power of curiosity.

The Power of Questioning

As parents, it is easy for us to often overlook the value inherent in our children's relentless questioning. When we pause and reflect, we find that their inquiries hold immense wisdom. The "why" mindset cultivates curiosity, critical thinking, and a hunger for knowledge. It challenges us to approach life with open minds, to question assumptions, and to seek deeper understanding.

How "Why" Applies to Us?

Interestingly, I have come to realise that the essence of my toddler's "why" can be profoundly relevant to mid-career parents like us who find themselves at a critical crossroads. We reach a stage where we re-evaluate our professional paths and search for purpose and fulfillment. In the face of uncertainty, we can draw strength from our toddlers' inquisitive nature.

Embrace the "Why" Mindset

I have learned that embracing the "why" mindset can ignite a transformative journey of self-discovery and growth. Two years ago, instead of simply accepting the status quo, I challenged myself and asked, "Why am I in this particular career? Does it align with my values, aspirations, and passions?" My answer, quite scaringly at the time was “no”. Embracing curiosity and questioning can lead to a deeper understanding of our professional paths and reveal hidden passions and talents.

“People don't buy what you do; they buy why you do it.”

Simon Sinek,?Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action, 2009

Embracing Change

Just as toddlers adapt and learn from new experiences, we can benefit from being open to change. Along the winding road of self-discovery, we may encounter the need for a shift in our career trajectory. The "why" becomes our guiding force, propelling us toward new opportunities and expanding our horizons. Embracing change can be daunting. It can be also immensely rewarding.?

The Gift of Presence

In our pursuit of answers to the "why" of our careers, it is crucial for us to recognise the power of being present. Integrating work responsibilities with family life can feel overwhelming at times. By being fully present in each moment, we can nurture stronger connections with our children while pursuing professional growth.

The curious nature of toddlers and their ceaseless questioning of "why" holds profound lessons for us mid-career parents.?

As I continue to navigate parenthood with my toddler, I embrace vulnerability and share my own challenges and triumphs. By adopting the "why" mindset, we embark on a journey of self-discovery, challenging the status quo, and unraveling the richness of our professional and personal lives.

Thank you for joining me for this sneak peek edition of the Prescence Pulse newsletter.

May it inspire you to embrace the curiosity of your children, ignite your own sense of wonder, and navigate the beautiful complexities of mid-career parenthood.

Hopefully chat soon, Greg

Like this?

Did you like what you saw in your sneak peek? Yes? Great!?I encourage you to?sign up?for future editions of the newsletter and join the Presence Pulse community.

So what is Presence Pulse about?

What is this Presence Pulse newsletter about, I potentially ‘mind-read’ you thinking?

Well, here you go…

Presence Pulse is for mid-career parents that could benefit from support and valuable resources to help navigate the joys and challenges of work, family and personal life integration.?

My vision is to?create a safe?space without any judgement and inspire each other to cultivate positive impact for our families and broader society.

This intentionally?curated Presence Pulse?newsletter seeks to?embrace our unique experiences,?alternative strategies, and tools that will help find harmony between our complex roles as a parent and professional.

Come join?the newsletter that seeks to?support mid-career parents to consciously build presence in their work, family and personal lives.

You can sign up for the Presence Pulse newsletter here.?