September always reminds me of going back to school. I love to learn and this time of year I search out for new tidbits of information or new tools or techniques to stimulate my mind. What can I learn this year?
On a side note: September floods my mind with childhood memories of getting new clothes and pens and pencils and paper and all those goodies. As a mom, I loved taking each child on a one to one date where we shopped for clothes and pens and pencils and paper and all those goodies.
Now as a writer, September lures me to shopping once again. Funny how the calendar tempts me to buy, buy, buy. Now working out of my home except for my church job requires less fancy clothes but the writer in me loves to hit those school supplies aisles for marker, papers, and post it notes. Take me near a Staples or Office Max and my hubby knows I am a goner for at least an hour – wow they are as bad as bookstores for me!
But I digress…
Back to learning – lifelong learning.
“I’m a big believer in growth. Life is not about achievement, it’s about learning and growth, and developing qualities like compassion, patience, perseverance, love, and joy, and so forth. And so if that is the case, then I think our goals should include something which stretches us.”
Jack Canfield
Commit yourself to lifelong learning. The most valuable asset you’ll ever have is your mind and what you put into it.
Brian Tracy
September challenges me to learn. What can I – can we – learn this fall? How can we grow spiritually? What new challenge will stretch us – grow our faith and our minds?
I signed up for a spiritual formation nine-month program that starts next week. It is called – Foundation of Christian Spirituality – a reflective study of the Christian Wisdom Traditions over the centuries. There will be a ton of new reading, stimulating group discussion and I imagine some outgrowing of my comfort zone.
I am continuing with my yearlong study of the Desert Mothers and Fathers. Been reading and taking notes but think the next stretch for me will be to share that here on the blog in my own words. What do these people from so many years ago have to say to us now? What practices can they teach us? Look for that series coming up later this year. (Now that I have stated this publically I better follow through right? YIKES!!
I have been also learning some new tools to use on this blog and man, am I in overtime mind-stretching mode learning about podcasting and periscope (live streaming). Both are new technologies and ideas for me – full of excitement, apprehension and sometimes near panic about making a fool of myself. Again way outside my comfort zone but in the location where true growth occurs.
I really believe once we quit learning, we are dying. Lifelong learning, trying new things, learning a new vocabulary, exploring a newfangled tool – all keeps us alive.
Where is God leading you this fall? What new topic/tool/technique are you learning?
Needed this challenge today…in a rut…need to learn something new I think…Thanks.
Once when I was in a rut, I challenged myself to learn something new for my mental health, did something for myself physically, socially and spiritually too. Really made a difference to intentionally take little actions in self care. Praying you find just the right fit for your learning.
Hi Jean:
For you it is is Staples or Office Max that gets you in trouble. Me? It’s The Apple Store. My last trip there I spent over $1000.00 on a new computer.
I agree that learning should be lifelong. As you said, when we stop learning, we stop breathing. Getting out of our comfort zone is a REALLY good thing to do. I’ve done it twice in August as detailed in my photography blog here:
http://cjpphotonews.com/2015/08/12/out-of-your-comfort-zone/
Shared this at my Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/CJPEnterprises
—
Chris
oooo Chris love Apple too. Now that’s a toy store! Good for you for being stretched too. That is how we grow….
Hi Jean! If learning keeps us alive, then YOU my friend are buzzing with it! What wonderful reading and projects you have lined up… And here I am in a very quiet time of life. It’s funny isn’t it?
I thought about taking a class or two this fall, but decided I’d rather work on writing. All called at different times to different things. God is wonderful that way!
Best of blessings on your new adventures, you are an inspiration!
Ceil
There are seasons and season to grow and season to produce, harvest. I am in a season of building my platform but feel an inkling to write more – that will come soon. Once a writer – always a writers I guess. Don’t you think we keep learning as we write too? Blessings on your work, Ceil!
I’m always learning (or at least trying to learn something new). This fall I signed up for an online class on community organizing – it’s the closest thing I can get to taking a class by Marshall Ganz.
This fall, I’m also taking a 2-year class called Me’ah – Jewish studies of the Bible, Rabbinics, Medieval & modern Jewish history.
I can remember when I was a kid, my Mom would buy me new shoes for school – we always got a pencil case w/ruler & protractors. We also toured the local Coca Cola bottling plant & received another pencil case.
cool classes you are taking. how interesting and what a neat childhood memory to share too. Isn’t it something about the start of a school year to bring back those good memories. So good seeing you last week.
I can SO relate to that school supply hunger. ha. Thankfully I got to indulge it this year since my daughter is now a kindergarten teacher. Glue, markers, paper, binders….such fun to help her set up her classroom. 🙂
I love to learn too. The course you’re taking sounds so fascinating. I’ll look forward to what you’ll share from your learning!
I thought you would be a lifer with learner like me and as a writer – we both sure have a thing for office supplies. Post it notes are one of my favorite. What fun you must have had in that classroom. wow.