Lifelong Learning, Revelations and Enlightenment

SHOW NOTES: 

On this show...we are celebrating a lifelong love of learning. Ok, maybe you’re not ready for a celebration just yet I mean life lessons can seem cruel but we are going to spend some time walking through the process stopping to appreciate the little gifts - revelations and enlightenment. Can we all laugh at the fact you can be told something a thousand times in different ways but until you come to a level of understanding on your own, you just won’t buy it. Some may say hard-headed but that’s the beauty of life and all it has to teach us. Not all lessons are painful and with a natural curiosity, this pursuit for knowledge about yourself and the world around you can be the fun part of the journey.

If you would have used words like “lifelong learning” too little Kendall she would have thought you were crazy. What do you mean learning for a lifetime? Are you ever done? Won’t I ever be smart enough? What’s the point?

As with many things, we’ve been conditioned to look for the destination to completion of the race, to file the paperwork, etc. To grasp this concept that you are never quite complete is a hard pill to swallow. Unless you look at it as a gift. I am never complete, I get to keep trying again and again. The more I learn the more I grow, the more I grow the more I learn. How wonderful. I’m on a lifelong journey pursuing knowledge and wisdom through experiences and my connections. Isn’t that a better way to view the glass?

Why You Should Never Stop Learning from heragenda.com

Broadening horizons

Keeping your mind sharp

Giving back

Confidence boost

Find something new

Throughout your journey, you will wear different hats and play different roles in regard to your education. Sometimes you’ll be the teacher, sometimes the student, other times the curriculum designer, and maybe even the proctor of your own life challenges.

What have you learned that was an ah-ha moment for you? Have you heard yourself echoing the same things your parents tried so hard to drill into your head earlier rather than later? 

Sometimes it’s the most basic of concepts. Have you heard of the book: All I really need to know I learned in Kindergarten by Robert Fulghum? Be prepared for mind-blown and the revelation that you may have not been paying attention to.

• Share everything.
• Play fair.
• Don't hit people.
• Put things back where you found them.
• Clean up your own mess.
• Don't take things that aren't yours.
• Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody.
• Wash your hands before you eat.
• Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.
• Live a balanced life - learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some.
• Take a nap every afternoon.

This whole concept reminds me that the many hours I spent watching some incredibly ridiculous reality tv was a huge waste of time and mind space. The fodder that I allowed to be filtered through my precious mind is almost criminal. I’m now at that precious place in my life where I want more and more and more. More ideas, perspectives, concepts, experiences...ALL of it, and more of it. I’ve been obsessed with reading about exploration and significant historical events. No longer am I interested in purely entertainment - I want to learn!

I found a delightful article full of learning from Quincy Seale; 8 Life Lessons From Benjamin Franklin

1. Winners Wake Up Early
2. Clear Your Head
3. Make A Plan
4. Never Stop Learning
5. Routine is a Good Thing
6. Take It Easy
7. Make Time For Family, Friends, and Fun
8. Take Time to Reflect

There is so much to be learned along the way. Everyone wants to blaze their own trail but why not pick up some tools from the ones that went before you. Imagine the enlightenment that Benjamin Franklin had and was able to pass down through all of his work. What are you learning that you can pass on? 

Linda Darby shares some of life’s truths with us on, Have the Talk of a Lifetime. Talkofalifetime.com

Here are just a few…

Attitude

Don’t let your age define you – It’s just a number, right? How many times have you met someone and been shocked when you learn how old they are?

Relationships

Relationships first – Ultimately, our relationships with our family and friends are among the only things that matter. Make time to talk to them. Nurture and protect these relationships every single day. Who haven’t you talked to in a while?

Things vs Experiences

Experience life – Traveling and trying new things are incredibly satisfying, especially compared to material stuff. Seize every opportunity you can, and invite your family and friends to join you! Keep a journal as you go. It will help you share the memories when you get home.

I love that I’m still learning. How defeating would it be if this was it? My goal is to reprioritize my world to include space to intentionally learn. I’m more aware than ever of what I allow in my mind and how I use the information. For me, connections and making time to encourage others are important. Life-balance is critical for my well being so I’m constantly striving to give enough yet have enough.

11 Life Lessons from Maya Angelou on Christine Mann’s blog, youneverstoplearning.com

Here are just a few…

I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.'

'I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.'

'I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back....'

 

CHALLENGE: Increase your curiosity and pursue more. More knowledge, more experiences, more connections, and more joy. Celebrate the revelations and the enlightenment of finally connecting the dots. Take that learning and share it with others as you grow.

 

I Know YOU Can Do It!