“If you are not willing to learn, no one can help you. If you are determined to learn, no one can stop you.”― Zig Ziglar
I began my career in health four decades ago as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN); the intention was to become a Registered Nurse (RN). However, six months into the program, I discovered that nursing wasn't cutting it. I was more interested in understanding why individuals became ill, so I confidently changed my major to psychology, earned undergraduate and graduate degrees, and ultimately found my calling in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention. My interest in what causes illness hasn’t waned in forty years; it has intensified. The more I learn, the more I want to know.
Learning is often viewed as a destination—a grade to earn or a skill to conquer. But for me, it's so much more. It’s the exhilarating journey of happiness, growth, and transformation that occurs when I’m acquiring knowledge. Learning excites me as much today as it did back in third grade when I opened my first Weekly Reader Magazine and connected with third graders from around the globe, and this was long before the internet existed. The joy of writing my first pen pal letter lit a fire in me and fueled my passion for exploration.
When I’m learning, I tend to lose track of time—forgetting to eat or having to remind myself to sleep. For years I thought writing was my passion. I’ve since realized that writing is a by-product of my learning.
Studying health, wellness, and what causes diseases not only empowers me to make informed decisions about my health, but also compels me to share what I learn, and that is why I write. There's a saying, "If you want happiness for a lifetime, help someone else." Learning and sharing make my life meaningful and give me hope that my efforts will reshape perceptions of what it means to be well.
Learning and Self-Care complement each other in profound ways: Learning improves resilience;
enhances skill development; facilitates connection by fostering a sense of belonging and support; cultivates a growth mindset; and reduces stress and anxiety - when you are engaged in something you enjoy, all worries fade away. Whether through formal education, workshops, self-directed study, hobbies, art, or others skills, learning is a plus.
When I combined the bliss of learning with the power of gratitude, I embarked on a remarkable journey of self-discovery that exemplifies living a fulfilled life! And here’s another by-product of learning: People think you’re smart. I appreciate the compliment, but the truth is that the more I learn, the more I realize that I don't know much at all. I'm not smart; I simply love learning, and I'm grateful for the gift.
So, if you are looking for a Self-Care practice that yields huge dividends – LEARN!
Listen to your heart – it knows what makes you happy!
Engage fully – even if only for a few minutes a day!
Ask for help - Ask Google or others with similar interests!
Reframe from self-criticism –focus on the effort, not the outcome!
Nurture curiosity – it’s your gift(s) seeking an outlet for expression!
Need help starting your Self-Care practice? I’m here with workshops or one-on-one coaching. Contact me at smallchange@myrtlerussell.com. Catch up on my Self-Care tips at www.myrtlerussell.com/blog.
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