Tag Archives: Goal

Current Events, Goals, Journal

To Learn, You Must Do

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It’s rare when I am surprised by anything I read online. The last time I was truly shocked about anything in the public domain was when Trump won the Presidential election. Watching the election night coverage (yes, we watched all night) was true “shock and awe.” That was the best reality show we have ever watched and the reactions were priceless (and gloriously genuine). Virtually no one expected that outcome, especially me. I didn’t vote for Clinton or Trump. I can’t stand any of the Clintons but figured Hillary was going to win no matter who she was running against. See? “Shock and Awe.”

Most of the online election aftermath has caused my eyes to roll way too much. Both sides, with their diehard supporters who never really paid attention to what their candidates actually believed, just irritate me. As much as I love the MAGAs’ dread when they realize Trump isn’t the ultraconservative they assumed he was, I really loathe those Hillary supporters who assumed, because I did not support her (and definitely did not support Obama), that I was a Trump supporter. I knew some of these people for over 20 years, yet they lashed out at me like I had suggested someone needed to start drowning puppies. They chose to ignore the fact that I had never supported any of the chosen Republican candidates that ran against Obama in both elections. All logic and reason left their overly emotional brains and (from what I have seen) has never returned.

This has never been more evident than what has actually surprised me online: they are scared and talking about arming themselves and either advocating for (or anticipating) a civil war. I have even read some hoping for a military coup. It feels like a really bad episode of the Twilight Zone since this is the same talk I saw from ultra-conservatives when Obama was elected to office except then, the “fight” was to preserve the Constitution and now the “fight” is to dismantle it (despite the calls to arm themselves). They just aren’t thinking this through. Why would they want to give up control of their lives (and their right to protect their lives) to the very people they are protesting against?

This is new territory for me. I knew what to ignore when Obama was first elected as mostly grandstanding (or in my off-line words, idiots being keyboard commandos) but I don’t know this new crop of people. I am not sure how serious they are or are they just typing all of that to make others think they are serious.What I do know is there are too many people within society who do not understand that just because they think (or say) something doesn’t mean they will always win. These people also do not understand that with every loss, there is a lesson that can be learned if they are willing to remove emotion from the equation.

I do know that, outside of the anti-Trump groups, I have noticed an uptick in worry and a desire to begin preparing for … something. I am not sure exactly what the impetus to prepare is. I do not think it really matters. Whether people are preparing for some sort of civil war, civil unrest, disruption in the food chain, nuclear war, natural disasters, or any other imagined scenario, the path toward independence and security is the same:

To Learn Must Do

You can have all the books in the world but if you have never grown a tomato plant, you will never be able to grow all the fruits and vegetables you need to sustain your family. This also applies to splitting your own firewood or baking bread (you know, actually cooking) or sewing a shirt or repairing your appliances or any number of skills you think you will need to survive any of the disastrous scenarios people can imagine.

This also goes for life in general (which was the original intention of this post). If all you do is read books without putting into practice what you read, you have learned nothing. Online marketing, SEO optimization, building your email list, writing (and publishing) a book, improving your health, losing weight, increasing your strength … none of the knowledge you acquire from any book, course, or video will do you any good if you don’t physically DO anything!

So, where do you begin? Go through everything you have learned over the course of the last year and figure out what one activity you can do today, right now. Choose just one. Then tomorrow, choose another. Slowly build up until you are practicing what you were taught (and learning what will work and what won’t). Not everything you have been taught will lead you to your ultimate goal (or end up working the way you intended). So, you set aside those things that are not working for you and move onto another activity.

The most important thing to know is you cannot control everything. You will not get everything you think you want (or things will not go the way you have planned). This is called life. You either embrace that fact or you will end up just spinning around in circles, blaming others for life not going the way you intended.

Even if you believe that the climate changing is caused by humans, what can you really do about that? Can you, personally, eliminate all excess carbon emissions from the planet, allowing your tomatoes to grow better this year? No, and even if you could, what would happen if the climate didn’t change back? What if all the scientists who support human caused climate change are proven wrong? What would you do with your life then?

We all need to focus on what we can personally change: our sphere of influence. Plant a tree, get your yard equipment serviced so it burns fuel more efficiently, stop using so many weed killers or bug sprays, pick up the garbage on your street (then the next street, then your entire neighborhood), dig up your lawn and plant food, vote for a city councilperson who embraces your way of thinking, etc. These are the types of acts that will ultimately change the world, not blocking traffic or hiding in your house waiting for the end of the world.

Goals, Journal

Embracing the Student-Teacher Dual Role

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So, through all of this self-discovery: looking deep within myself to discover who I truly am and what I truly enjoy, it basically comes down to two titles: I am a student AND a teacher. As a student, I continuously seek knowledge and understanding, delving into various subjects that ignite my passion and curiosity. Each lesson learned adds depth to my perspective, enriching not only my life but also the lives of those around me. Simultaneously, as a teacher, I feel a profound responsibility to share this knowledge and inspire others on their own journeys. The dynamic interplay between learning and teaching creates a cycle of growth and empowerment, where every experience, both as a student absorbing information and a teacher imparting wisdom, shapes my identity and purpose in this vast world.

As I’ve said before: I love to learn. I am constantly on the lookout for some new idea to explore or some project to learn or some skill to master. My curiosity drives me to delve into various subjects, from the intricate worlds of science and technology to the enchanting depths of literature and art. Along the way, though, I love to teach what I am learning/have learned with everyone who is willing to read what I type here. I believe sharing knowledge not only reinforces my own understanding but also sparks new conversations and inspires others to embark on their own learning journeys. Whether through practical tips, insightful reflections, or thought-provoking questions, I aim to create a space where learning is a shared adventure, encouraging a community of enthusiastic learners to connect, explore, and grow together.

I just read an article yesterday “A Writer’s Dirty Little Secret” by Dan Wells that just clicked with me. I do not want to teach, type up blog posts, fix my website, or share links for the betterment of my readers; instead, I approach these tasks with a deeply personal motivation. I do it for me, as the joy I find in the process is profoundly fulfilling. I find it exciting to not just learn these new skills but to share HOW I learned those skills, almost like unraveling a fascinating mystery. I love the challenge of discovering the proper wording to enable people to understand what I am sharing, taking care not to rely on my favorite go-to words like thingamajig, doohickey, or thingamabob, which can sometimes obscure the message I wish to convey. This endeavor allows me to experiment with language and communication, honing my ability to express complex ideas in a relatable manner, fostering a connection that transcends mere sharing and turns it into an enriching experience for both me and those who choose to engage with my writing.

When I was in high school, I took a creative writing class. One of the assignments was to write out instructions, teaching someone how to brush their teeth, while assuming the person had never seen a toothbrush or toothpaste. It was illuminating, discovering the need to dissect terminology which so many of us take for granted when they have been performing a skill/trade/job for years. I know you have run into it before: How-to manuals or websites that have you looking up the definition of words just so you can understand what is required of you just to complete the first step (I have even run into that in many of the “For Dummies” set of books, which did a lot for my self-esteem at the time). This experience not only made me more aware of my own understanding but also humbled me, highlighting how easily we can overlook the basics that are often second nature to us. I have always done my best learning with simple instructions, whether those are from someone I am learning from or I am giving them (especially at the start of a new learning adventure). This principle became especially clear to me as I navigated through various educational and professional scenarios. I learned that quickly when I was an adult, helping jewelers (over the phone) fix a computer problem. In those moments, I had to break down complex technical jargon into everyday language, ensuring that my explanations were both clear and relatable so that the jewelers could troubleshoot effectively without feeling overwhelmed or confused. 🙂

As I work through this realization, my goals are to become not only a better student, deeply committed to properly learn and grow in my pursuits, but also to evolve into a more effective and inspiring teacher for those around me. I recognize that this transformation will take time and effort, and I am not entirely sure how that will look as I navigate this journey of personal and professional development. Each step in this process brings with it new challenges and opportunities for growth, which I am excited to embrace. I find immense joy in sharing this adventure with you, as your support and companionship mean the world to me, and together, we can explore the possibilities that lie ahead while striving to make a positive impact on those in our lives.