Learning a Skill

Part of building resilience is sharpening our minds. It’s important to keep on learning throughout life! Back in September ‘14, we did a challenge that focused on brain-building games and learning new facts. Now let’s try something a little different, and work on learning a new skill! Is there something you’ve always wanted to know how to do? Maybe a specialized skill in an area you’re already familiar with, but have never been ready to try before? Now’s your chance! It can be as simple as learning to shuffle cards, or as complicated as perfecting a souffle. There’s nothing like new experiences to keep your mind active! Choose something that speaks to you, and practice it as often as you can this month. This challenge offers a chance to build mental resilience and expand your capabilities in any direction you choose.

Habit:
Practice your new skill

To Do:
Choose a skill to learn, and gather any information, tools, or materials you need

Reflection:
Despite a rough start, I found this challenge surprisingly fulfilling. I initially had planned to take a qigong class that started in March and ran for seven weeks, but the person who was going to join me decided not to pursue it, and since she was my ride… well, I decided it wasn’t worth $90 *and* having to come up with transportation. Then I decided to teach myself to crochet. While it took me until the middle of the month to get the supplies and instructions I needed, that has been really satisfying!

It’s a delicate balance, keeping my enthusiasm for the sense of mastery I get from working on my project from overwhelming my respect for my body’s limits. I know that in my case, it is certainly possible to overdo it! But with patience, I think I’ll be able to make a few small projects. A row or two a day may seem like a snail’s pace to the experienced knitters and crocheters out there, but if I’ve learned anything from my chronic pain, it’s the value of incremental progress!