I haven’t posted in a while again. I’ve been working on the website itself trying to get some features added and others removed.
I’m learning a lot about creating a website and even more about patience and overconfidence. That being said, the post today is about being thankful for the ability to learn.
I’m sure you have heard the saying, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” I find that to be somewhat true since we have three old dogs at our house and that does not include me and my husband.
But, I also find that I am just as capable of learning things at 56 as I was 20 years ago. I may learn in different ways now or need to reinforce what I am learning more but I am still capable of learning. In fact, we all are. Lifelong learning, whether about a hobby or a formal course of education keeps your brain young.
For example, when I was in my teens through 20’s I could learn mostly by hearing the lesson and liked to take notes which helped me learn faster. In my 30’s and 40’s I learned by hearing, writing it down, and taking action or hands on. Now, I continue to do all those things but have added a component of visualization to my learning.
What does this look like? Well, sometimes I listen to audio books and close my eyes to picture what the speaker is talking about. Other times I read something aloud so I am seeing it and hearing it. I take notes (I prefer to write my notes in longhand so I get the feeling of the paper and pen) and then after a section or chapter I close my eyes and visualize myself doing, saying, or feeling what the author discussed.
Here is an example, while reading the book The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale, when I read about giving up the worry habit I read the chapter aloud focusing on the words and the sound of my voice reading them. Next I wrote down significant passages or ideas and reread them afterwards. Finally, Finally, I visualized myself in one of the situations I tend to worry about, saw myself using the techniques he suggested as well as the positive results of peace and serenity.
I realize that very bright people have been doing all these techniques for years starting at a much younger age but the point is that it doesn’t matter when you start, you can learn.
If you think my process is a bit too much, I understand. Please do take my advice though and embark on the journey of lifelong learning. Never tell yourself you are too old to learn.