Friday, April 5, 2013

How to Find Happiness A-Z: E

When in your life were you happiest?

Image courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net
I have a tenancy to push myself, often too hard. A couple years ago I went back to school online. While home schooling 3 kids. And working to get a musical produced. And serving as the president of a children's organization. Was I suicidal? Probably. But it was invigorating, and I felt more alive than I had in a long time. Why?

Education.

I was growing--pushing myself to expand mentally in ways I hadn't in a long time. My reading speed quadrupled. My test-taking confidence sky-rocketed. My confidence in being ready to teach my oldest kid high school subjects intensified.

I remember countless hours spent in public school, doodling on my notebook or staring off into oblivion. I despised the assignments I was given, questioning why it was necessary to know this specific information.

Being forced to endure hours of school is not an education. An education is merely intelligence, knowledge, or confidence in our own abilities that we obtain through our experiences. Just because someone has completed "school" doesn't mean they have an education. Education comes from every human interaction. It's ongoing and continuous. I submit, happiness comes from continued growth and learning. It's when we stagnate, like a pond with no inlet or outlet, that we feel a blandness settle in.

Happiness comes from growth. Growth is a result of our education. Do you feel yourself stagnating? What are you doing to further your education?

10 comments:

  1. I really love this post. I educate myself daily by visiting blogs like yours!
    Dani @ Entertaining Interests
    #warriorminion

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  2. I love this post! Life is so much more than what you learn in the classroom! Thanks for stopping by my blog yesterday. Check out my "E" post!

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  3. Anyone attempting to become a published writer needs to read this post!

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  4. I guess this whole writing thing has been an education for me. Each page is a new challenge and new learning.

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    Replies
    1. I know, right? No matter how much you know, it's never enough. There's always room to grow.

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  5. Oh my goodness. Learning this industry has been an education! :)

    P.S. Every time I come to your blog, I want string cheese!

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Hit me with your cheese!