I was that strange kid who couldn’t wait to start school. No teacher taught me how to read, I learned before kindergarten. I completed most of my homework while I sat listening to lectures. Extra credit work was fun, and I enrolled in every advanced placement class my school offered. As a result, A’s populated my report card. My lower marks reflected my associated boredom level. An instructor once reprimanded me for working ahead in a math workbook, even though the answers were correct. I didn’t stop. Her class was boring.
I love challenges. Cracking a code, solving a puzzle, or learning a new skill is exhilarating. Throw me in the deep end, and while I might thrash around and almost drown, chances are, I will soon be swimming like Michael Phelps. A wise man enlightened me on the benefits of becoming a perpetual learner. He warned me, that no one knows less than the person who thinks they know everything,
This week, I have been taking an online course, studying a topic I don’t yet understand. I am pushing my limits, making connections, and it is as scary as Nik Wallenda’s volcano walk. I am happier than a teacher on a snow day.
Are you pushing your limits?
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Keep on writing.
Jo Hawk The Writer
Jo Hawk 
You’re right, it is good to push ourselves out of our comfort zone, learn new things. Spring is coming — perfect time to learn something NEW.
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Yes NEW for sure. The good thing is it is kicking my butt and cranking up my motivation. Good things are going to happen.
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That’s remarkable💜 I remember loving school until I got to the 7th grade. That’s when we returned stateside (Dad was career Army) and we moved every year. I was always frightened that I wouldn’t be smart enough. But up until then? I was so very similar to you about school. I loved homework and taking tests because of the challenge.
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It must have been tough starting a new school every year. I can’t imagine the fear and uncertainty, of confronting unfamiliar faces, strange classrooms, and inconsistent curriculum. You are remarkable. I bet there are more than a few stories you could tell. ❤
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Oh, lots! But it built character, resilience and strength. I’m forever grateful to my father for giving me these opportunities and my mother for being the force behind me to get up after every fall.
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Family really can pull us through. They say the key to not failing is to keep getting up. It helps to have a mom who won’t let you just lie there. 😊
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I was horrible in school! Horrible! A’s rarely found their way onto my report card. And I hated school so much. But, I always loved learning. And realizing HOW I loved to learn was key. If I can touch it, see it, work with it — I can grasp it. It’s funny really, it’s even an issue today — I can’t listen to podcasts at all. I just wander and stop paying attention. But visually watching a masterclass by Ron Howard or Aaron Sorkin is everything! And I’m stretching my mind so much. I also started following a guy on tiktok who teaches signing. I am so interested in learning a new language and I think I’m going to learn how to sign! So, I don’t know if I’m pushing my limits. But I do love to learn. Just not the way I had too back in school. Hmmm. I need to think on that more. Thanks for this post. I’m going for a run and you’ve got me thinking. I love when that happens!
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Realizing our learning styles is key to becoming knowledgeable in any subject. Like you, I can’t listen to podcasts or audio books. They drone on, and I tune them out. I do the same thing with videos, but to a lessor extent, and I have figured out tricks that keep me engaged.
I’m glad this got you thinking. Enjoy your run.
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Reblogged this on The Reluctant Poet.
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Thank you for sharing, Charles. 💕❤💕
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