My youngest learns differently from the oldest, and this confuses me sometimes. I don't quite know how to help. He prefers to work with his hands, isn't a fan of reading directions, not super-interested in long lists of rules, rigid schedules or sitting at desks.
He loves change, thrives on visible results and craves ACTION.
He plays to learn. (Also, he is very charming. Like a teen hypnotist, this one. "Why yes dear child, of course it's a great idea for you to have a unicycle...")
He came in from the first day of eighth grade outright singing about one particular class -- science -- so eager to dive into the equipment and experiments, his whole brain ready to learn, to work. This sparkling enthusiasm lifts my heart.
"My teacher says we're not going to be just fooling around with papers. There will be projects and labs and we're really going to get things done."
He's a mystery we could learn from, you know? Focused on what he loves, what interests him, and what he's good at; in that regard he WILL get things done. I've seen it again and again. People excel at work they enjoy. It keeps them vibrant and vital.
Don't you want to feel that same kind of energy for what's coming up next in your life? Even for just one thing?
No, you and I aren't in eighth grade and are busy with adult responsibilities and deadlines, bills and our own long list of chores. Sometimes what we long for is to sit in front of the TV with a glass of wine and some quiet.
But do you remember what really gets you jazzed and out the door, excited to be alive? What you're great at, or think you might be (besides watching TV and drinking wine)? What projects/trips/ people/recipes/music/books have made or could make your life freshly interesting and fun, richer and more deeply flavored?
"Learning never exhausts the mind." - Leonardo Da Vinci
If we're going to rise out of apathy and annoyance, and feel that youthful boost, we've got to get our bodies and brains working, make a little time to do something we love. To PLAY.
How? That's what we'll learn at next month's free LifeInspired group session (see sidebar). We'll do some individual, private assessments to determine what's best for you, then plan and even take steps to begin living our next great life lesson.
What'll it be for you? Maybe...
- archery. The kind with real arrows
- make the very best coconut banana cream pie
- find a place to wakeboard
- audition at an open-mike night
- research what it would take to earn that Masters
- teach Pilates, in China
- build the ultimate deck
We'll think it through together, each in our own way. Skip the couch this time and come on out. :)
