The joy of learning

I recently spent nearly a week in Phoenix with my youngest son and daughter-in-law—and my two youngest grandchildren. One of the things I noticed was how many new words my 18-month-old grandson learned every day. For one thing, he observes so closely his 6-year-old sister, whom he just adores; and he tries to copy things she does and says. He also repeats many words the rest of us say. It's as though his ability to learn new things is on steroids. That's how it is with young children, isn't it?

If we continued to learn that way all our lives, think of how brilliant we would be. It's incredible! We don't keep up that rate of learning, however. But I hope we don't think learning is only for the very young either. Change and learning can be a lifelong venture. Or adventure! You and I have so much to learn even yet. So much about life. About ourselves. About each other. So much to learn that adds to our skill sets and to our pleasure. What joy!

My father got an organ and also a computer when he was in his 70s and 80s. Always curious and wanting to try new things, he was a model of lifelong learning for me. I hope I never stop wanting to learn new ways of being and adding to my abilities and skills. I have read that doing so keeps Alzheimer's and dementia at bay, too, just in case we need another reason to learn.  

What's on your list today? A new skill? A new habit? New ways of thinking because the old patterns no longer work? Perhaps you're even thinking of an encore career—and ready to prepare for a total career change? Go for it! Stretch those learning muscles. And watch yourself soar!