“The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.” Alvin Toffler
The quote above challenged my thinking this week.
Change is occurring at a faster pace all the time. We are called upon to adapt, let go, and learn new technologies, systems, and patterns. I try to grasp a moment of time, but reality slips from my hand as the spinning disorients my thinking and steals my breath.
I don’t know about the rest of you, but sometimes I just want to dig in my feet and say, “NO MORE!!” I slam on the breaks and my shifting gears grind to a stop.
I suffer from change fatigue. Sigh.
What frightens me is the study I read once that discovered one of the most common characteristics of people who lived to be 100 was their adaptability. Do you think resisting change is a cause of death? If not, that form of stubbornness probably leads to a miserable life.
The reality is that the foundation of life is metamorphosis or change. We grow older, though I am sure I still look 28 and my, my have my friends aged lately.
The seasons continue their onward march, not following my wishes for a longer summer and shorter winter.
Kyla, my granddaughter, shows off her new teeth and says new words each day. A lady at church observed the other day, “You don’t have a baby anymore. She has become a toddler overnight.”
The Toffler quote, though, energizes me. “Change” sounds so tiring, overwhelming, and over done. I thrive on lifelong learning so to “unlearn and relearn” opens up possibilities. I like that phrase.
And I certainly don’t want to be called illiterate. And I don’t want to die at such a “young” age.
I am reframing any new change I currently face. I am relearning new ideas and reshaping my thinking.
Learn, unlearn and relearn. What do you think?
Congratulations, Jean, for persevering through five years of idea-collecting, writer’s block, researching, revising, editing, commenting, etc. Well done, friend! God will surely bless your efforts and commitment to excellence.
Thank you dear friend, Nancy. I am amazed it has been five years and am so blessed to meet others like you through our blogging. Blessings!
Your OLD friend commenting! I have learned, unlearned, and relearned so many times in my life. Change is inevitable, but our attitude toward it is what makes us who we are as we age. I’m not aging, I’m just relearning. 🙂 Interesting that my column and my blog will both be about change this week. Great Minds????? 🙂 Clella
Such an interesting quote, Jeanie. I have to echo Becky above a bit, but as a teacher the words “unlearn and relearn” appeal to me.
That seems a more positive way to approach change in the practicalities of life. I’m going to print that quote out!
You’ve got me thinking. It’s funny how there are some areas of my life in which I welcome change, but try to alter other areas? Dangerous! I’m especially resistant with changing things of a spiritual nature. But I know what works for me, I’ll think. Yet I know I need to be ready to move when God nudges.