Whatever our level of education, learning doesn't have to end when we get the diploma or degree. In fact, even without trying, it is almost impossible not to keep learning. Take for instance, switching jobs. Always something new to learn there. But, even more so if one ends up taking an entirely different career path.
Maybe you are one of those people, though, like my husband, who has worked for the same company for over 30 years. Granted, he's moved up the chain and with changes in mechanics and technology, not to mention new problems, whether with managing people or the shop which he oversees, surely, there are still things to learn.
What if you are a woman who has chosen the traditional route and stayed at home, though? No problem. There are new things to be learned about a myriad of things - decorating, cooking, cleaning, health, gardening, etc. With the advent of the computer, one can even learn a new language or a musical instrument from the comfort of home.
Sadly, some of you may be asking why. If I have a stable job and am comfortable, why should I put forth the effort? Well, for starters, it is good for your brain. Secondly, it makes you a more interesting person. Thirdly, you never know which doors may be opened because of it.
Don't know where to start? Choose a realistic time frame. You know your other responsibilities. You also know you. How disciplined are you? Let's say, for instance, you never pick up a book. Well, then, I wouldn't start with the goal of trying to read a book a week, or reading for an hour a day. But, could you commit to 15 minutes of reading a day or, perhaps, a chapter a day? If so, plan when that 15 minutes will be. If you miss a day, just pick it up again the next day.
What are some of your goals? Would you like to grow your own garden? Talk to someone who does so. What do they suggest in terms of equipment and supplies? Would he be willing to coach you along the way? How would he suggest you start? To go from never gardening, to thinking you are going to grow all of your own vegetables would undoubtedly be too big of a stretch. Start small so that you can find out if it is really something you enjoy doing. Often times, people have nostalgic ideas about things of this nature.
What if you decide to learn something that you've always wanted to learn, but it just doesn't work out like you expected? Well, then you've learned something. It may be that you don't want to devote the amount of time needed. It may be that you just don't have the aptitude or interest for a particular field of study.
Don't get discouraged. There are so many things to learn and so many ways of learning. Just keep an open mind. Try new things. Look for opportunities. Today, it may be something as simple as learning how to play a game you've never played; and that could lead to many hours of enjoyment in the future. It might also lead to making a new friend, or connecting to an old one. Better yet, it might lead to an opportunity to minister to that elderly neighbor of yours.
Do you see where I am going with this? Learning can add to your life on a spiritual, intellectual, social, or mental basis. It could mean the difference between boredom and purpose, employed or unemployed, challenged or unchallenged, leader or follower (not saying there is anything wrong with following, by the way.) Open yourself to the joy of learning. You will never be the same!
Maybe you are one of those people, though, like my husband, who has worked for the same company for over 30 years. Granted, he's moved up the chain and with changes in mechanics and technology, not to mention new problems, whether with managing people or the shop which he oversees, surely, there are still things to learn.
What if you are a woman who has chosen the traditional route and stayed at home, though? No problem. There are new things to be learned about a myriad of things - decorating, cooking, cleaning, health, gardening, etc. With the advent of the computer, one can even learn a new language or a musical instrument from the comfort of home.
Sadly, some of you may be asking why. If I have a stable job and am comfortable, why should I put forth the effort? Well, for starters, it is good for your brain. Secondly, it makes you a more interesting person. Thirdly, you never know which doors may be opened because of it.
Don't know where to start? Choose a realistic time frame. You know your other responsibilities. You also know you. How disciplined are you? Let's say, for instance, you never pick up a book. Well, then, I wouldn't start with the goal of trying to read a book a week, or reading for an hour a day. But, could you commit to 15 minutes of reading a day or, perhaps, a chapter a day? If so, plan when that 15 minutes will be. If you miss a day, just pick it up again the next day.
What are some of your goals? Would you like to grow your own garden? Talk to someone who does so. What do they suggest in terms of equipment and supplies? Would he be willing to coach you along the way? How would he suggest you start? To go from never gardening, to thinking you are going to grow all of your own vegetables would undoubtedly be too big of a stretch. Start small so that you can find out if it is really something you enjoy doing. Often times, people have nostalgic ideas about things of this nature.
What if you decide to learn something that you've always wanted to learn, but it just doesn't work out like you expected? Well, then you've learned something. It may be that you don't want to devote the amount of time needed. It may be that you just don't have the aptitude or interest for a particular field of study.
Don't get discouraged. There are so many things to learn and so many ways of learning. Just keep an open mind. Try new things. Look for opportunities. Today, it may be something as simple as learning how to play a game you've never played; and that could lead to many hours of enjoyment in the future. It might also lead to making a new friend, or connecting to an old one. Better yet, it might lead to an opportunity to minister to that elderly neighbor of yours.
Do you see where I am going with this? Learning can add to your life on a spiritual, intellectual, social, or mental basis. It could mean the difference between boredom and purpose, employed or unemployed, challenged or unchallenged, leader or follower (not saying there is anything wrong with following, by the way.) Open yourself to the joy of learning. You will never be the same!
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