Growing to Learn

It's already the new financial year, and all anticipated changes have now been set well in motion. Perhaps from the lack of so much as a kind notice from slipping Time, my mind has yet to keep up with the exciting pace of new projects and responsibilities. But this night as I sit around awaiting the sleepy bug (which tarries with an attitude...), I am given the opportunity to reflect on all the good things that are in store; and I am still amazed at what has become possible for my life, if not for one simple (I would have used the word 'innocuous', but then I would be acting against the preferences of my co-VA :p) thought, on which I took action.

The meaning of volunteering for me has evolved rather drastically within such a short timespan. There are levels of insight that would forever have remained closed to me if I had never embarked on this new experience against my most skeptical notions. I think everyone who has heard my beginnings as a volunteer would know that I didn't always use to believe that causing one weak semblance of a change (which could be so easily erased like vapour in the wind) would make a difference. I wanted to change the world, and to think I didn't realize it were actually a result of many, many tiny steps put together...

I get caught up in what I take on, all the same. And this life has become so much the better for it :) Growing up is more difficult than one imagines. You first have to acknowledge the fact that you're immature, that you truly do not know enough. And then it's another difficult process of forcing yourself to view events beyond the veil of your emotions. Unreliable, shifting sensations that usually have no bearing on the external situation.

I am growing to understand, that in order to learn, you first have to mature to the stage whereby you are capable of learning. It's a humbling realization, that only the wise do the learning. Because of the courage involved, the effort needed, and the discomfort evoked. And in this way, among numerous others, our beloved trainees have taught me well. They're endearing like that (my curent in-phrase that absolutely has to appear on every piece of writing associated with me :D).

The next time you detect a bias that you hold on to, slow down a while. Are you truly repelled by the inadequacy of a circumstance, or have you failed to grasp the intricacies within? You don't have to subscribe to everything that logic compels against your fancies, but at least, one could strive to be cognizant of that decision :)

Huizhen