Life Lessons
Learning new things in unlikely places.
I’ve become big on learning new things as often as possible. I’ve upped my game on reading my backlog of non-fiction books in an effort to become a better writer and all around person. I go to the gym with one of my friends to have him teach me new exercises so I can continue to lose weight and grow stronger. I’m routinely challenged (and frustrated) in my martial arts class.
One of my favorite parts of my martial arts class is the last few minutes before we bow out. Not because it means I’m no longer getting thrown around, but because that’s when the magic happens.
We’re all kneeling on the floor, sweaty and tired, and our teacher goes over the lesson of the day. Inevitably, he says something that can be applied to other aspects of life.
Take your space and don’t give it up.
Don’t reach for something that’s already in the past.
Life lessons that, if I wasn’t already in learning mode, I’m not sure I’d catch.
And it got me thinking about all the moments we don’t know are teaching us something and we miss out on a great lesson. Where are my blind spots in my day? If I just slowed down, would I have learned something? Did I learn something and it just hasn’t registered yet?
It’s uncomfortable to shift my thinking and re-examine my worldview through that lens.
As a writer, I should be observing the world more than I do. What could I have seen in my last grocery shopping trip if I was curious about the people around me instead of in a rush to get my vegetables?
I’m very focused when I’m at my desk in learning mode. Now I need to learn how to do it outside.
What was a lesson you learned from an unlikely source?
Weekly Goals
Write 7K words: Success. I’m pleased with the way my book is fleshing out.
Sew ten dice bags: Failure. It seems that if I get my words in, I generally don’t get my sewing in.
Go to class: Success. I have the sore muscles and bruises to prove it.
Go to the gym twice: Success times two. I went four times last week because I’m a glutton for punishment.
Read one book: Success. I finished Dragonbane by Sherrilyn Kenyon. I’m back on a Dark Hunter kick.
