You’ve probably heard the saying “curiosity killed the cat.” And you probably heard it as a child, from an adult, as a warning about exploring the unknown without first considering the risks (a valid argument there).
Did you know the second half of that phrase (allegedly) goes “and satisfaction brought it back?”
I’m not recommending that you dive headfirst into uncharted territory as a way of chasing pleasures, but I am advocating that, on some level, all curiosity did was kill boredom. And that matters because boredom leads us either into the past (regret/wishful thinking, sadness/depression, bitterness/resentment) or into the future (hope/desire, creativity, cooperation/peace-making). Being curious is good for you because it leads to new learning, new connections (with yourself and others), and new experiences. All of this “newness” builds new connections in your brain, which expands your ability to feel self-confident (“I can do this”), resilient (“I can endure, this too shall pass”), joyful (“Wow, that was great to experience!”), and empathetic (“I had no idea, I see this situation differently, and I feel more compassion here”).
The next time you find yourself experiencing boredom, which path will you choose—the one that binds you to your past, or the one that offers you a future of your own creation?
I hope that more often than not, you choose to build your future!
Heather Ulstad, MS MERP
Heather is a business operations director and mental health professional with a background in federal law enforcement, psychology, and forensic science. She enjoys high-paced environments and has worked alongside complex teams, with a steady focus on values-driven leadership, clear communication, and collaboration. In her counseling work, Heather integrates solutions-focused, relationship-centered, and trauma-processing approaches—often starting with early experiences to help clients better understand themselves and expand resilience, confidence, agency, and potential.
Outside of work, she values time with her husband and their two daughters, loves health and performance psychology and neuroscience, and is happiest exploring the mountains, forests, and new places with her favorite people.
Learn more about Heather and our other therapists at Revelations here.
