Learning Every Day

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“I am learning all the time. My tombstone will be my diploma.” – Eartha Kitt

I’d like to say that when I was growing up, it was a family tradition that we went around the table to say what we learned that day. I have a vague memory that we did in fact do that but as the third and youngest child, I think that maybe it fizzled out by the time it got to me.

Regardless, I’m happiest when I’m learning something every day. In fact I was happily driving alone in my car the other day to Costco, listening to a Brené Brown podcast and thinking in the back of my mind, my blog should be titled or subtitled “What I Learned Today.”

At possibly the very same moment, fellow blogger Rosaliene Bacchus of the Three Worlds, One Vision blog typed a comment, “Wynne, it’s a joy to witness, through your reflections, the way in which you learn from even the smallest experiences in your day-to-day life.”

My kids were 4 ½ years old and 7 months when this pandemic started. I find them fascinating to watch and interact with and I learn from them every day something about what it means to be human. But the isolation of this time and the slower pace of our schedule of activities meant I had to find sources of adult conversation, inspiration and meaning. What I’m listening to and reading has helped me not only learn how I can grow but also process the tidbits of what I see about how my kids grow.

Podcasts, which I can listen to in the car, when I’m cleaning or late at night when I’m getting exercise by repeatedly climbing the 47 stairs I have in my house, have brought so many experts and depth right to my doorstep: Krista Tippet’s quiet and spiritual On Being, Brené Brown’s insightful and research driven Unlocking Us, Dan Harris’ urbane and slightly sardonic mindfulness podcast Ten Percent Happier.

I read as much as I can – sometimes thrillers and spy novels that take me completely away from my life for an hour or two. But mostly I read as many blogs as I can and I’ve loved the books penned by fellow bloggers than I’ve read or am reading: The Twisted Circle by Rosaliene Bacchus, How to Heal Your Life by Tamara Kulish, Voices: Who’s In Charge of the Committee In My Head by Julia Preston and Be a Happier Parent or Laugh Trying by Betsy Kerekes.

It was on the Unlocking Us podcast (I think) that I heard neuroscientist David Eagleman talk about the research that we are powerfully influenced by the 5 people we spend the most time with. I’m delighted because I’ve been spending time with you all – you’ve inspired me, taught me, made me laugh and made me think. What a joy!

So, if you have a moment, please leave a comment about where you get your inspiration.

I’ll close with a quote from an On Being interview I heard with Thich Nhat Hang, “You have the right to make mistakes but you don’t have the right to continue making mistakes, you have to learn from your mistakes.”

Here’s to always learning!

(featured photo by Pexels)

15 thoughts on “Learning Every Day”

  1. Wynne, a big thank you for mentioning my novel. Much appreciated ❤ Thanks, too, for sharing that insight from the neuroscientist David Eagleman that "we are powerfully influenced by the 5 people we spend the most time with." During this period of isolation, my blogging community has been my saving grace. Know that you are numbered among the five people who inspire and keep me uplifted each new day 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  2. As always, an affirming, encouraging piece. Thank you. As to your question, I read few blogs (irony) and listen to few podcasts. I am more likely to learn (or at least be provoked to reconsider ideas) from classic literature and philosophy. I wasn’t especially drawn to these in school, but with some life experience I find them worth reading; not necessarily uplifting, but frank and timeless.

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    1. Ah, a wonderful compliment, Dr. Stein. Thank you. I’m chuckling about the irony but honored you take the time to read my blog and comment.

      The classics that have stood the test of time. So interesting to hear that you have come back to those and find them worthwhile. Lovely!

      Like

  5. Learning something new makes life more interesting and richer and makes us better parents too. 🙂

    I enjoy reading you share your daily lessons on your blog! For me, the best daily learnings come from my little one himself. Always keeps us on our toes. I also like to learn from reading blogs, the news, and through traveling.

    Happy weekend!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I couldn’t agree – it does make life more interesting and us better parents.

      Yes, travel is a great way to learn too!

      Is it any warmer there yet? I hope you all have a great weekend!

      Liked by 1 person

  6. Thank you so much for mentioning Voices! My sincere hope is that one day I will be able to return the favor by mentioning a book that YOU write in a blog. You have much to say that the world deserves to hear. I echo the sentiments of Rosaliene Bacchus, ” . . . Know that you are numbered among the five people who inspire and keep me uplifted each new day 🙂 From one who is unencumbered by the rigors of having to earn a living while raising two little ones, I am awestruck by how you manage to do it all and continue to write insightful blogs on a daily basis. For whatever it takes, thank you!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Julia. What an incredibly touching and affirming comment. I am so grateful!

      I have just started Voices but enjoy reading a little bit each day – savoring your wisdom, humor and authenticity. It most definitely adds to the deep texture of my life and I’m so fortunate to have crossed paths with you!

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  7. A lovely post as usual!
    I learn something every day from nature, people around me, reading, writing, listening, or being a mere bystander.
    But the most inspiration I got was from my family and my students. Especially, my students with special needs.
    I am grateful!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I love that you include listening in your list. Such a neat way to learn and be inspired – especially by learning from those that see things differently than we do. Beautiful, Chaya! Thank you so much for sharing that!

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