Flying back to Australia this year after two seasons away, I felt as if I’d missed a chapter in nature’s book—one I thought I’d read dozens of times. After nearly seven decades of watching winters turn into springs and springs into summers, it was humbling to see how much I still missed by being away. This shift from one season to the next was more than a change in scenery; it was a reminder that the world moves on, whether we’re present or not.
For most of my life, the rhythms of nature have been a constant. I’ve watched Japanese maples bud, daffodils bloom, and wisteria unfurl in countless spring displays. But this absence made me realise how easy it is to take these transitions for granted. Seasons come and go as predictably as the sun rises, yet the details change, and those changes are only visible if we stop and truly look. With every year, I’ve come to understand more deeply how essential it is to stay curious, to investigate the world with fresh eyes, and to never assume that just because you’ve seen something once, you’ve seen it all.
As I reflect on 68 years of life, I’m struck by how much the world itself has changed. Landscapes, communities, climates—each season, each place, has a story to tell if we’re willing to listen. Investigating the world isn’t only about seeing new things; it’s about allowing new perspectives to influence who we are and how we understand our place in the world. Whether that investigation takes the form of travel, reading, or simply watching the familiar with curiosity, it brings fresh layers to our knowledge and resilience.
Curiosity fuels every step forward. It’s what keeps us asking questions, pushing boundaries, and opening doors to unexpected paths. No matter our age, curiosity encourages us to keep learning, and learning keeps us vibrant. This recent journey of ‘missing’ a season has been a reminder that there is always more to see, more to learn, and more to appreciate in the world around us.
So, let’s make investigating the world a priority—whether it’s by visiting new places, nurturing relationships, or simply staying open to change. Seasons may come and go, but with each passing year, there are still new stories waiting to unfold, and it’s up to us to bear witness.
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