If You're Bored, Get Curious

When you start a road trip, there’s usually hope for excitement and new adventures. I’ve never heard anyone say, “Yeah, it’s going to be boring — the drive, the scenery, the people, the hotels!”

No one begins a journey expecting the worst. Not even us. We were excited.

But there we were, starting our new life, leaving California, anticipating a new chapter…

And it felt boring.

Until I changed my mindset.

Why did I assume it would be a boring day? By day four on the road toward Oklahoma, the drive was getting weary and the scenery felt endless.

As we passed through New Mexico — not one of my favorite states — it was impossible to ignore its beauty. The rich red rock landscape made me think about the age of the Earth and the millions of years it took to shape what we were seeing.

I started looking at the land the way I look at the stars on a crisp, cool night. So much history hidden in plain sight.
“Oh, if the hills could talk.”

Then I remembered a sign from my classroom:
“If you are bored, get curious.”

So I did!

With today’s internet access, learning on the road is easier than ever. I started researching the rock formations, the layers of color, and the history of the land. Some boulders were larger than houses, smoothed by water over time. I read about Native American history and culture in the region and shared what I learned with Will as he drove. It kept him alert, and he loves learning anyway.

It’s amazing what a mindset shift can do.

We found ourselves imagining what it must have been like to travel these roads decades ago — no air conditioning, narrow highways, and only the crackle of a radio signal to keep you company. There were actually more gas stations then, because cars needed fuel and tinkering more often, but those stops were simple and modest. Knowledge and reflection gives a new appreciation for how travel has changed over the years.

While today’s Highway 40 is smooth and maintained, historic Route 66 runs alongside it, quietly calling travelers to experience a bit of history. We decided maybe we should answer that call.

Looking ahead to the end of the day, I searched for hotels in Santa Rosa, Tucumcari, and Amarillo. Prices were high, many leaning into Route 66 nostalgia. So we pushed on to Shamrock, Texas, where we found a reasonably priced, modern hotel away from railroad tracks.

Shamrock is known for the Conoco gas station that inspired the movie Cars. We planned to explore the next day.

But for now, we were done. It was 8:30 PM, dark, and we felt the miles.

Then we met Derek at the front desk.

Derek was the kind of young person who gives you hope for the next generation. Well-presented, warm smile, genuinely welcoming. His attitude said, “Let me help you settle in.” Throughout check-in and the extra help I needed after, he stayed polished and kind.

So here’s a shout-out to Derek at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites.
You helped us end a long day on a positive note. Any hotel would be lucky to have you.

We settled in, smiling at the thought that this trip was not boring at all — it just needed a little curiosity.

Reflection and Moving Forward

• Stay curious on ordinary days — boredom often fades when you start asking questions and noticing what’s around you.

• Mindset shapes the journey — the same road can feel dull or meaningful depending on how you choose to see it.

• Appreciate how far travel has come — today’s comforts are easy to overlook until you imagine the roads before us.
  

Bonus: Small moments matter — a conversation, a kind person, or a moment of humanity, can turn a long day into a memorable one.

Mindset: Curiosity

“I thought it was a boring day — turns out I just needed to get curious.”