It is intriging to hear how other people go about growth and learning; what they read, who they talk to and the things they experience. John at Technology for Living tagged us with a meme earlier this week. A meme is kind of like the “wave” done at sporting events or chain letters, except it’s electronic on blogs. A question is posed, answered and then sent on to others.
The “learning edge“ meme asks one to:
Write a post about your “learning edge” and what you’re into these days. Feel free to mention any books you’re reading, classes you’re taking, people you’re learning from or collaborating with, etc. Tell us about the gems you’re picking up, the fun you’re having, etc., especially if they’re shifting the way you look at what you do.
Funny enough, it was perfect timing for this meme to arrive. I have been in the midst of a steep learning curve and the “tests” have been coming fast and furious. By taking the time to reflect upon what I have been experiencing, reading and discussing with others I realized just how much I have learned. I am surprised to see how many of these learnings have transitioned from simply understanding a concept into having this understanding fundamentally change me.
Back in March of 2007 I made two rather whimsical decisions that I expected to be interesting, and perhaps a bit of an adventure, but not entirely transformative. First, my close friend Erin and I accepted a rather daunting dare to walk many, many miles of state trails. We agreed there was no way we would lose the dare. Second, Erin and I started this blog and committed to regularly posting through the remainder of the calendar year. Once these decisions were made there was no going back, especially because neither of us have the stomach for quitting.
These two commitments have turned out to be much different - and have had much more impact - than I could of ever anticipated. I have been challenged mentally, emotionally and physically. I never thought I would ever say something like this but the pain I have experienced, and continue to, is positive as I have learned to experience my life through different eyes.
Among the things I’ve learned:
- My limits are far greater than I imagined;
- Sometimes all success entails is a refusal to stop;
- A commitment honored is a sacred and completely transformative experience;
- Despite all my effort there are things that I just can’t control. All I can control is how I respond (this learning has had to come to me in many, many forms from reading Stephen Covey, writing posts on this very topic, being reminded of said posts by my father and so forth…);
- Change is hard and uncomfortable, and these feelings stick around for quite some time;
- I tend to give much more care and consideration to others then I do to myself. Meeting these challenges will be impossible if this does not change; and
- Finally, I am one very, very lucky person to be surrounded by such incredible people who have helped me in ways big and small! In particular I want to thank Erin for being such a truly wonderful and compassionate friend and co-conspirator in aspects of these adventures that will never, ever, ever be told…
Well, this is the state of my “learning edge”. Just for fun I wonder if Erin, Mark or Jason have anything to say because they’ve just been “tagged” with the learning edge meme…
Related Posts:
Becoming a Better Person Sucks
Learning to Fly, Reflections from Gateway State Trail
You Will Self Destruct in 5…4…3…
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