On the journey...

As long as I can remember, I have loved learning. I love the intellectual workings of my brain grasping a new idea. I love the feeling of something creative being born in me. I love the sense of expanding my mind and heart and life. There is nothing better than an “ah-ha” moment when something clicks or illuminates or moves my perspective in a different way. Oh, did I mention that I have an insatiable curiosity?

And, as long as I can remember, I have had a great need to be perfect. I want everyone to think the best of me and never be unhappy or disappointed with anything I say or do.  Now that creates some real tension for my love of learning.

Learning is anything but perfect.  It’s in the messiness and the questions and the wrestling with not understanding and the mistakes and the risk taking that learning flourishes. I have to admit there are many times this tension keeps me paralyzed with fear.  If I do nothing, all will be well.

Thankfully, learning comes to beckon me out of my cocoon of false safety. (Remember that insatiable curiosity?!) She tells me not to be afraid. What if I consider the need to be perfect as a partner with learning? Like they are holding hands and walking along the journey with me? 

Then it’s not about accomplishing perfection. It’s about reaching for the very best in me…expecting more of myself than I could even imagine possible.  Sounds a bit like taking a risk…and isn’t that when learning is at its best?

On the journey…  and loving the messy learning…  Cathy