All of us will reach an endpoint in our lives; and when that happens, I want you to look backwards and be able to say, "I didn't waste a moment; I learned new things every week of my life."
For really, life isn't so much about the routine, the 9-to-5--life is about living. Living means exploring the experiential. Every time you explore a new idea for a new week--you're developing an experience you can enjoy for the rest of your life. By learning one new thing each week, you're affirming your life and setting it with optimism and positivity. You're also setting a great example for younger generations. In terms of health benefits, those older adults who continue to learn throughout their lifetimes have significantly less chance of developing things like Dementia or Alzheimer's. That's a good enough reason on it's own, but you'll find the benefits of learning something new for each new week far exceeds your future health...it's more about happiness.
Don DeLillo's 1985 National Book Award winning novel, White Noise, is a terrific postmodernist criticism of how "everyday" life is sucking the meaning out of human existance. But you don't have to let life reduce to mere "white noise" around you; yes, we all have to face the drudgery of employment, but that only gives MORE reason to not let the yoke of twenty-first century society destroy your evolving soul. Acknowledge that evolution, and you will find that life will be more meaningful to you. Even if you just learn a few new words in a different language, learn a new recipe, explore a new idea--like I did in my last blog entry about Kaballah--take a few moments at the start of each new week to think of what you'd like to learn. Maybe you want to do some internet research on an historical figure. Maybe you'll pick up a paint brush and give it a try. Maybe you'll attend a religious service you've never been to before. Whatever "new" idea you explore, I guarantee it will not only enliven your life, but the lives of others around you. Make it a family affair--and at the END of every week, sit down together and share the "new" ideas you explored. There is great potential in the "new week, new idea" concept. I hope you take the opportunity of this new week to explore something new.
As for me, this week I will be picking up my Devanagari (written Sanskrit) studies; I also plan on starting a new canvas this week. My resume is full of "new week, new idea" explorations, including my stint as a comedian. It was a Sunday afternoon about 19 years ago. I decided that my life was so incredibly pathetic, it was funny. I started putting the absurd scenarios I was actually living in the form of jokes--as a way to kind of make myself feel better. I used some of that "material" on my room-mate later that day, and she actually laughed. She laughed a lot. Within an hour or so, I had called Nick's Comedy Stop (never having even attended a comedy show myself) and had signed myself up for the next open mic night. That "new idea, new week" moment is one of my proudest. How many of us can actually say we stood on a stage in front of a live audience at a comedy club and made people laugh? I'm not saying you have to go THAT far with it--stick with simplicity at first. New recipes are my favorite...and unfortunately these days, that's fairly obvious when you look at me. ;)
Whatever "new idea" you decide to pursue this "new week," have fun doing it! And feel free to let me know the results.
Until next time, dear readers....