Starting over in life is sometimes the only thing we can do.
In my last full time corporate job, we used one particular piece of software that continually proved a challenge for me.
I could crash it, freeze it, and otherwise lose hours of work without much effort. It was frustrating on a regular basis.
Truth be told, if you need a beta tester for anything—software, kitchen gadget, lawn tool—I’m the gal for you. I can find the glitch in any program or gadget without much effort. This ability is one of my more unique skillsets. Yes, I am quite proud of it.
Among other difficult tasks, Helen handled this peculiar software for our employer. Being a prompt, helpful, and kind soul, I appreciated her deeply. Especially since I know that I can try any IT person’s patience. Those folks could write books based on the issues I raise for them to fix.
After I rebooted the ancient HP laptop I was stuck using, I thought about throwing it around my office, but recognized that wasn’t the solution. Nothing I tried solved my problem, so off I was to bother Helen once again. After she’d heard my description of what was going on, in her divinely sublime manner, Helen said, “Sometimes we all need a system restart.”
Wasn’t she right in so many ways?
Starting Over is Critical to a Quality Life
Around that time, a group of women got together at my home to start the The Artist’s Way workshop—a 12-week creativity-jumpstarting program. From that first meeting, it seemed each of us were doing some variation of a self-system re-start.
Although I instigated the class, I think mine was the least amount of self-revelation of the six of us—not because I’m more creative or more in tune with myself, but because I’m the person whose mind never stops whirling with ideas combined with self-critiquing. What is momentous about undertaking a workshop like The Artist’s Way is the inspiration you receive and give by sharing with others and learning from them. The group often jolted me into a new view on an old problem or provided a fresh idea coming from a brand new place, breaking through my self-imposed limitations and how to figure out how to break old habits and get some new, better ones started.
Adults need to do the new
A remarkable aspect in doing something new as an adult is that we prompt ourselves by wanting to do more new. When we change life—each time we attempt the unknown, our brain has that re-start we need to keep the gray cells humming along, keeping us in a place of challenge, and affording opportunities for improvement.
If all I ever pursue in life is reading and writing, how will I enable my brain to learn something completely unknown? How will I force my fingers to try crocheting? Vocal cords to speak a foreign language? Perform a new workout plan without falling over mid-way through it due to my lack of coordination?
On our recent trip to Pembrokeshire, Wales multiple exceptional moments happened. One was that my niece Jenny drove a car on the opposite side of the road—a bucket list item checked off for her. My sister Jackie and I were impressed as we watched her daughter adapt to driving in the wrong lane and using her left hand to switch gears instead of her right.
I learned to read a UK Ordinance Survey map and came to understand the pros and cons of the different roadways. Jackie learned to use my Nikon CoolPix to take the most amazing shots of this beautiful place.
Always Learning … Always Starting Over
At a 300-year-old (plus!) cottage we rented, one of the owners lives next door. At 92, he is a well-educated, well-traveled man, an engaging conversationalist, and sheer delight to spend time with.
We rambling to the estuary together and had rambling conversations with Leslie. I mentioned having popcorn on hand. Leslie commented, “You know, I’ve heard of it in the movies, but I’ve never tasted it.” We traipsed into his kitchen and Jenny made it for him. He was fascinated that it was made with real corn kernels. But alas, even Paul Newman’s butter version didn’t impress him. Jenny explained the various items we add to a basic bowl of popcorn to give it more taste—and unhealthiness!
I love that at his age there was this simple food that most Americans grow up eating, taking for granted, that he had never tried. Leslie’s enthusiasm to sample popcorn was invigorating. It’s no wonder that at his age he’s a most engaging of conversationalists with his zest for learning.
Turning … almost 60
My birthday was during that trip and as I ticked off another number, I found myself thinking, what will I learn in the second half of this, the 59th year of my life? What can I try that may be whimsical and yet educational in some way? What’s around the corner, waiting for me to reach out and grab it?
The introspection brought on by exploring The Artist’s Way started my shutting off the old systems and starting up again with a brand new OS in place. This part of my life’s journey may be one of the best upgrades I’ve ever done!
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Read: Driving in Wales!
And, Everything Escalates (especially after 50)
You are full of ideas Rose Mary. Like you I have a tendency to have new ideas whirling around in my head. Sometimes I take time to write them down especially when they are themes for a forthcoming blog.
There are always new opportunities to learn whether about something or someone. We can underestimate just how much knowledge we have. I enjoyed reading about Leslie who looks well for 92.
Imagine that he had never tasted popcorn until you made it for him. Sweet and salted popcorn is my absolute favourite!
Then you know what it’s like to live in my brain, Phoenicia! Whirling is a great word for it.
I keep a running list in Scrivener of topics to pursue for blogs–of course they are organized by theme and in color–I’m a bit OCD that way!
Glad to hear you enjoy popcorn!
I find it’s always good to go back to the basics once in a while, at least in my line of work. I pull out old notes from basic cutting to basic roller sets. Those foundations can re-inspire you and revamp your whole perspective! 🙂
Good observation, Dawn. You’ve inspired me to pull out a very old text book about writing–I need to reaffirm some things and revisit the old standards. Keep myself in check!
Always good to go back to the basics!
That’s ironic isn’t it? The class was your idea and you’re doing the least self-revelation. 🙂 That happens to me sometimes. I get everybody on board with something, all excited about it, but then when it’s up and going I sometimes sit back and take a backseat. It is nice to get together with other women and share and learn from one another though. Looking at things through their eyes can really open ours sometimes.
Well said, Susan. It is exactly what I needed right now to oomph up my writing and my life–just to be around a fun group of women like this crew!
I LOVE our Artist’s Way Group…thank you SO much for bringing us together (even though I kicked and screamed a little) and for articulating such great thoughts about the results. Love you!
Patty, I am getting the biggest kick out of you, particularly because you did join the group with some reluctance! Love the fun you bring to the group. Love you!
It amazes me how a comment about one specific thing can be applicable in multiple areas in our life.
Thanks for starting the whole thing, Helen! You are right–one thing can zoom right across the boards of our lives and affect it here and there. Great stuff to have happen.
What a great idea! It does seem that we get a little too much into our own heads…habits that have worked for years barely merit a thought until…you hear a different viewpoint!
Yes, Jacquie, and we writers can be very guilty of this since that’s where our stories and characters reside–in our heads! I love The Artist’s Way and first did it in the long, Montanan winter of 1999. It made for some major life changes. Wonder what will come from it this time!