Learn Something New

Many of us tossed our learning caps after we tossed our graduation caps for the last time, shedding the oppressor that was homework, and putting away our reading glasses for a spot on the couch.

Perhaps not everyone enjoys learning as I do, but could that be because we are learning what others want us to learn?  The Math, Science, or Social Studies books are a thing of my past, as are many of the "classics" that bore me to tears; yet, other books sweep me off into distant lands, teach me how to live a better life, and inspire me to reach for the stars.  Reading opens your mind and imagination in a way television never can.

Learning doesn't just come from books.  Ever heard the term "if you don't use it you lose it?"  That applies to your brain (read The Brain that Changes Itself if you don't believe me).  Use your brain to learn new things.  Ever wanted to write a book?  Get started now, it doesn't have to be a masterpiece from day one.  Ever wanted to learn a new language?  Duolingo.com is free and easy to use.  Want to write a children's book?  Pick up a pencil or do some sketches.

What do you want to do?  Start today!  It doesn't have to be huge, just a small step today...another tomorrow...then a bigger one the next day...and so on.  In the process you'll learn something new, challenge your brain to not become a vegetable, and improve your life!


Some recommended reads:
Distant Lands
The Hobbit
The Divergent Trilogy
The Hunger Games Trilogy
Anything by James Wesley Rawles
Zombie Survival Guides, Star Wars, or whatever you're into

How to Live a Better Life
Anything by Larry Winget
You're Broke Because You Want to Be
Talent is Overrated

Inspiration
The Way of the Seal
The Reality-Based Rules of the Workplace
Fully Alive

The Shack

Finding Lifelong Joy

Millions of Americans find ourselves yokes with hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt.  We Americans love to spend our money – and then some – as demonstrated by our love/hate relationships with debs on a personal and professional level.  This love affair is a reflection of our deeply-routed insecurity in ourselves and our inability to discipline ourselves for what is best.  Instant gratification overwhelms our desire for sacrificial and meaningful gain.  But how do we overcome this addiction to debt, instant gratification, and short-termism?

        

         The simple answer is that we don’t overcome it, instead we pursue different avenues – healthy avenues – of gratification.  We slightly nudge our mindset toward those things that restrain our brains by loving what actually makes us happy.

         Philosophy is great, but how about some reality?  What practical, real life steps do we take to pursue lifelong joy rather than temporal and fleeting happiness?

Stay tuned…