Loved this, and loved listening. I'm with this 100%, there is a freedom in finally, for one of the first times in my life, being teachable, being okay with beginner mind. I also let a lot of things slip by, never took things that would challenge me because I needed to know I could succeed (win) before I even started. Now I understand that the point of learning how to do something is to LEARN, not to already know. So, for me it's pottery, figure drawing and photography. I'm so happy to be done with — and I don't mean this as a dig to anyone — the shallowness of youth, the willingness to be wrong or bad at something. I am, at this moment, a terrible potter. I make bowls that were meant to be coffee mugs but got away from me. And the bowls are wobbly. It's a process. I'm a work in progress. The joy, I think, is in the journey, rather than the destination.
I think we are all works in progress until we die (if we’re doing it right.) And isn’t it crazy how much we let go of as we get older?! And it’s so fun to do new things just for fun.
Since retiring I’ve learned to play piano, drums, & guitar terribly lol but I actually do sing on stage! Also self-published a book that has barely sold 35 copies (all to friends lol). So… fail? Oh yes please.
I actually started piano before retiring. Drums was a nice surprise bonus (I'm actually pretty good who knew?!) and I've ALWAYS wanted to be a singer. People actually ASK me to sing wow! I really am enjoying it. I was totally wedded to my job/career which was at times soul-sucking. It's nice to be actually living life. And I'm near the beach, besides!
I’m so impressed that you are on day 1200+. I’m trying to learn Italian (day 120) for a trip later this year and thought if I started a year before my trip maybe I could at least have a basic knowledge of the language…hahaha. Keep it up! I have faith in you.
Your French / Duolingo experience bought a smile to my face, and the 'french grammar' thing I am totally with you. Even after living in France for 4.5 years I didn't 'get' it!
Also, have you heard of the idea of Beginner’s Mind - a Zen teaching? It's quite fascinating to me - it gently invites us out of habitual thinking and the unconscious biases we accumulate over time. It’s the mindset we naturally had as children, before certainty set in. Worth looking into if it interests you :)
I have heard of Beginner’s Mind but don’t know much about it. Will definitely explore it. Thank you! And yes—I have totally given up on French grammar. Impossible!
Loved this, and loved listening. I'm with this 100%, there is a freedom in finally, for one of the first times in my life, being teachable, being okay with beginner mind. I also let a lot of things slip by, never took things that would challenge me because I needed to know I could succeed (win) before I even started. Now I understand that the point of learning how to do something is to LEARN, not to already know. So, for me it's pottery, figure drawing and photography. I'm so happy to be done with — and I don't mean this as a dig to anyone — the shallowness of youth, the willingness to be wrong or bad at something. I am, at this moment, a terrible potter. I make bowls that were meant to be coffee mugs but got away from me. And the bowls are wobbly. It's a process. I'm a work in progress. The joy, I think, is in the journey, rather than the destination.
I think we are all works in progress until we die (if we’re doing it right.) And isn’t it crazy how much we let go of as we get older?! And it’s so fun to do new things just for fun.
Since retiring I’ve learned to play piano, drums, & guitar terribly lol but I actually do sing on stage! Also self-published a book that has barely sold 35 copies (all to friends lol). So… fail? Oh yes please.
Could not love this more! Sounds like you are making the most of your retirement.
I actually started piano before retiring. Drums was a nice surprise bonus (I'm actually pretty good who knew?!) and I've ALWAYS wanted to be a singer. People actually ASK me to sing wow! I really am enjoying it. I was totally wedded to my job/career which was at times soul-sucking. It's nice to be actually living life. And I'm near the beach, besides!
Between the beach and the performing, you are definitely doing retirement right.
I’m so impressed that you are on day 1200+. I’m trying to learn Italian (day 120) for a trip later this year and thought if I started a year before my trip maybe I could at least have a basic knowledge of the language…hahaha. Keep it up! I have faith in you.
I just do one lesson a day usually. Try not to miss a day. But will never be fluent!
Your French / Duolingo experience bought a smile to my face, and the 'french grammar' thing I am totally with you. Even after living in France for 4.5 years I didn't 'get' it!
Also, have you heard of the idea of Beginner’s Mind - a Zen teaching? It's quite fascinating to me - it gently invites us out of habitual thinking and the unconscious biases we accumulate over time. It’s the mindset we naturally had as children, before certainty set in. Worth looking into if it interests you :)
I have heard of Beginner’s Mind but don’t know much about it. Will definitely explore it. Thank you! And yes—I have totally given up on French grammar. Impossible!
I do French on Duolingo too! The pronunciation part is hard!
I think I’m nailing it, then the Duolingo characters are like “huh?!”