While going through a weekly newsletter, I was asked a simple question about learning that really got me thinking.

Before we look at that question, I want to return to a definition of learning I have always used: Learning requires a change in behavior because of that learning. Otherwise, we are just collecting information.

The difference is easy to spot in others: “Well, he clearly did not learn his lesson.”

But it’s a definite “ouch” when I realize I have reverted to old behaviors instead of consistently applying the new, better way I had supposedly “learned.”

Even though we have traveled through six time zones to be with family, enjoying one another’s company and supporting their activities, there is still learning happening.

James Clear posed this question in his newsletter:

“You’re always learning, even when you’re not intending to learn. Based on how you are spending your time this week, what are you learning?”

I’ve learned to be more mindful of my physical surroundings. In fact, I had already figured out that morning at the playground, bright sunlight and shadows on the playground structures and steps can make it difficult to see changes in elevation accurately, especially when wearing sunglasses blunting the contrasts.

I thought I had absorbed this new information and would be more careful as I walked through and climbed around the changing elevations of the imaginative fort and castle-like structures with my three-and-a-half-year-old grandson.

Then came the opportunity to hear, “Let me chase you one more time, Grandma!”

I couldn’t resist, and off we went!

Doing my best fake-running Grandma shuffle, I went down a step here, through a walkway there, and up a step there as his feet pitter-pattered behind me.

Except.

In the sunlight and shadows striping my path, I failed to see the step up.

Down I went.

Fortunately, nothing was broken, and the bruises were small.

But I knew better! I had already been taking extra care, accounting for those tricky shadows.

Knowing something and consistently applying that new knowledge going forward, can be a flawed process for sure.

There are many takeaways from my learning this week I will be incorporating into my daily routine.

How are you spending your time, and what are you learning?

In health and still learning –

Deidre