So many of us are pondering the 'how did the time go by so quickly' as we put our babies on buses, but the reality is that every day leading up to this point has been full and busy, and while they may blur together, they have definitely all contained 24 hours. When we stand at the door watching the bus drive away, the real question is did we appreciate those hours to the fullest extent? If not, what are we waiting for?
I am thrilled to take steps down another path today - not changing directions, just adding more distance to my journey. My sidewalk has never led directly from point A to point B - it is more similar to the fabulous 'Family Circle' comics by Bil Keane, showing little Billy's footsteps swirling around his world in an amusing loop-de-loop. As much as I try to plan my day with a nice, direct route there are many side trips and pit stops along the way. Today I am excited to add two more. I have two new clients today: one looking for help along his journey through college business classes, another looking for marketing and programming ideas for it's organization. I continue to work with the small businesses I currently provide training and consulting for in areas of management, efficiency, and improving skills, and my private students who are looking to improve writing or computer skills in order to advance in their careers.
I feel very blessed to have the ability to work with each of them because it allows me to pull from my experience and skills and creatively provide solutions for their individual needs. I enjoy the variety within my routine, and I feel that I am better able to provide help because I take the time to understand everyone and the learning styles that work best for each individual.
Even if you are not looking for a major change, our brains need new stimuli and challenges, so don't be afraid to add a new flavor or travel via a different route. Pay attention to the surroundings, read a different magazine, or just give yourself the opportunity to grow in any way you feel lacking. They say that today's college student will have seven careers in his or her lifetime, and that three of those careers aren't even invented yet. That holds true for anyone who is willing to take that first step outside his or her comfort zone. I know I still have more to learn (I keep telling my kids that pole dancing lessons, bar tending, and becoming a Barista are a few things on my bucket list.) If you say you can't, then you are right, but the truth is you can do anything you set your mind to.
No matter what age you are, every day can be a "first day" when you focus on learning something new. TODAY is the day to make new goals and try something new. Climb out of your rut and point yourself toward a new interest, goal, or even a whim. This may be the day you try that new food or pop in and test your flexibility in a yoga class. Every day provides the potential for 'new and improved' - What do you want to learn today?
