Thing # 1

I just finished viewing the "7 1/2 Habits of Highly Successful Lifelong Learners" presentation, developed by training specialists of the Public Library of the Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, and the information that was spoken about made a great deal of sense to me. I discovered that I naturally desire to participate in many activities that would fall into categories associated with lifelong learning without even realizing it, as I am sure that many educators do.

The habit spoken of that I can most relate to is Habit 3: Viewing Problems as Challenges. I truly believe that God allows everything that happens in my life to occur for a reason. I have learned, after watching many plans "fall through" and seeing things turn out differently than I had intended, that there is always a silver lining to be found around each dark cloud, if only I take the time to discover it. I now know, no matter what challenges come my way, the they have been brought into my life with purpose. Such trials cause me to depend more on God and to realize that the greatest learning comes when I am stretched and forced to step outside of my comfort zone.

The habit I most struggle with is Habit 7 1/2: Play. As odd as it may seem, I believe this habit comes least easily to me in part because of the role birth order has played in my life. I am the oldest child in my family, with one brother two years my younger, and from the time I was small, I learned to play the role of "mother." While my mother was away at work, caring for my brother came naturally to me. "Responsibility" became a foremost concept in my mind, as I learned to make meals for us, to clean up after his messes, and eventually to help my mom take him from one activity to the next as he grew and became more involved in sports. At school, I was also given greater responsibilities, such as helping to tutor fellow classmates and assisting my teachers with various jobs. I have always enjoyed taking responsibility for a task and seeing it to its completion. However, I often get caught up in such pursuits, and this leaves little time for play. It is difficult for me to take a break and simply relax, especially when I know there is work to be done. However, over time, the importance of play is becoming more and more a reality, especially as I see the negative effects lack of play can have on physical health and emotional well-being.