Learning is Constant
Over the past several weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to engage in new experiences and with new clients – all offering me continuous opportunities for learning and exploring new perspectives.
A Daunting Challenge
I accepted a facilitation opportunity that under most circumstances I would have said no. My aim is always to ensure the client, and the participants receive an outstanding experience, and I questioned whether that would be possible given the time frame. With incredibly limited time to design the 3-day program, I just wasn’t convinced it was possible. Through perseverance, supportive colleagues, and ultimately an amazing group in attendance, I was able to effectively design a strong curriculum that met all of the objectives, facilitate in a way that fully engaged the participants, adjust to the changing needs in the moment, and ultimately received amazing feedback all around. Reflecting on the experience provides me with so much perspective and allows me to see new “daunting” opportunities in a new light. This is a perfect example of stepping into “discomfort” and taking the challenge to overcome the obstacles and succeed.
A Trip to Japan
Having family living in Japan, I made my first trip to visit Tokyo and Kyoto, Japan, and I am so grateful that I did. The first part of my vacation was a special gift for my niece and for me. We spent close to a week together, vacationing in Kyoto. Even though this was my gift to her, she was a gift to me! As my “tour guide”, her fluency in Japanese and full understanding of their train system enabled us to have a seamless adventure. I recognize that when faced with new challenges, we are all capable of learning and adapting to what we need to in order to succeed. I had minimal need to do so, and at the same time, though I didn’t have to get by without knowing the language, I was still able to learn. I was exposed to a culture that, though I had solid expectations, was very different from all that I’ve been told by my family and other friends who have visited Japan. I tried food and activities I would not have otherwise. I learned new customs and adapted my behavior. We managed through unexpected weather – including a beautiful snow in Kyoto, which is not the norm. Though I always wanted to visit during cherry blossom season, I reveled in the beauty of the numerous Japanese gardens we visited and felt a complete sense of calm.
What challenges are you facing that would provide you with a new experience, opportunity, and most importantly learning or growth?
“In learning you will teach, and in teaching you will learn.” – Phil Collins
