Listen and Learn

     Wow!  I knew it had been a long time since I posted but I didn't realize that I hadn't posted since September.  Yep, life after fifty has been super busy!  There's been time spent on family, friends, and home stuff.  There's a part time job that requires a lot of mental energy and reflection.  I had  many thoughts about the election but most of them I chose to keep to myself and not share on a blog.  Politics are simply complicated.  Perspective makes such a difference in what one believes is right or wrong.    
       So life after fifty for the past few months has been a time of listening and learning rather than speaking out.  I've learned how difficult it is for the elderly to find purpose and meaning in life when life has become so different from what it used to be for them.  Using technology and working with the health care system can be so overwhelming for people my parents' ages.
      During the presidential campaign I learned how separated we are as a society by tunnelvision created by our limited realities.  I believe what I believe because of my knowledge and experiences.  But my neighbor may have a totally different view with just cause based on his/her knowledge and experiences.
      I've learned from the wonderful young adults that I work with about resiliency and perserverence during the transition from college to the reality of becoming effective educators admist the disappointments, challenges and and frustrations that come with a 24 hour a day, 7 day a week profession.
      I've listened to many people.  I've heard their joys and sorrows.  I find that lessons are all around me.  I am humbled by the human spirit.  So, as the new year begins, I will return to blogging with a renewed desire to share my thoughts and a new desire to keep perspective in mind before I pass judgement.  Have you been listening and learning too?  Feel free to share!