On the day that my daughter left for college, she tucked a card in my dresser drawer that said, \u201cThanks for being such a great mother, a great friend, a great teacher and student.\u201d<\/p>\n
I\u2019d like to think that the most important thing I taught Jennie was to keep being a student. And she has.<\/p>\n
Just before New Year\u2019s Day a few year back, she called to tell me about a trip she\u2019d made to the bookstore where she\u2019d found several treasures. \u201cMy project this year is to learn lots of new things,\u201d she announced.<\/p>\n
One of her purchases had been a desk calendar of scientific questions since she felt her knowledge was lacking in that area. As she constantly reminds me, doing things that appear out of character can be a powerful catalyst for learning.<\/p>\n
Her bookstore visit opened the way for a discussion of our individual visions for the new year. After discussing a few specific goals, I said, \u201cAnd my theme for the year is Stretch. To make sure that I don\u2019t forget that\u2019s what my life is about right now, I\u2019ve taken up daily yoga practice as a literal reminder.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s a good one,\u201d she agreed.<\/p>\n
Since we’re coming to the end of the year, Jennie and I have been talking about the things we plan to explore when 2012 rolls around. She’s planning to revisit things she’s loved in the past.<\/p>\n
I’m still narrowing down my theme for the year, but know it will be one that feeds my curiosity.<\/p>\n
\u201cSeems to me if I were the Maker of the Universe,\u201d mused advertising whiz Bernice Fitz-Gibbon, \u201cthe people who would vex me the most would be the ones who went unseeing and unwanting through this fascinating world.\u201d<\/p>\n
They\u2019re the ones who vex me most, too. On the other hand, the ones who inspire me most are those who keep stretching themselves day in and day out.<\/p>\n
Ask such a person, \u201cWhat\u2019s new?\u201d and they always have a fascinating answer.<\/p>\n
Staying curious is not only something that\u2019s available to anyone, it doesn\u2019t cost a dime. Where it leads, depends on how willing we are to give up limited thinking and follow the callings that are unique to each of us.<\/p>\n
In the coming new year, discover the truth of Gregg Levoy\u2019s tantalizing promise: \u201cWhen people begin to follow their calls, they way opens up, even after they\u2019ve kept the gods drumming their fingers for decades, pacing around the front hall while they take forever in the boudoir getting ready.<\/p>\n
“Opportunities wash up on shore; people take an interest; out of the corner of your eye, you spy synchronicities; the right book or the right person crosses your path. Sometimes even money follows. Perhaps it\u2019s nothing more mysterious than the universe supporting growth and life loving itself.\u201d<\/p>\n
Nice vision, isn\u2019t it?<\/p>\n
If we allow ourselves to become complacent\u2014or, even worse, cynical\u2014we destroy any possibility of having such a rich and adventurous life. We block our stretch.<\/p>\n
So pick a theme. Plan some fascinating projects. Listen and follow your calls. Use it or lose it.<\/p>\n
If you don\u2019t there\u2019s much to be lost. \u201cA life devoted to trifles,\u201d warned Hannah More, \u201cnot only takes away the inclination, but the capacity, for higher pursuits.\u201d<\/p>\n
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On the day that my daughter left for college, she tucked a card in my dresser drawer that said, \u201cThanks for being such a great mother, a great friend, a great teacher and student.\u201d I\u2019d like to think that the most important thing I taught Jennie was to keep being a student. And she has….<\/p>\n