The Year of the Learner

2020 will be remembered as the year of the learner

– George Couros, Learner/Speaker/Author

As this year is slowly drawn near to close, what have I learned in 2020? I started this blog at the beginning of a global pandemic, which I thought would be over (or under control) by now. I’m a fan of George Couros’ emails and newsletters. He and his words were one of the perks of 2020 (need a little inspiration, check him out). They have helped me “off the ledge” as an educator and learner so many times during my remote teaching and living. In one of his posts, Couros stated this year, 2020, will be remembered as the year of the learner. I had to ask myself and others, what did we learn?

Here are some of the responses I received via Instagram and Facebook from friends, colleagues, family, and former students;

Muhyi A. commented, “I’ve learned that everything I want in this life is simply waiting for me to get up and take it. Spending every day in deep gratitude”

Dena G. commented, “…that this country is one fucked up place.” (Amen to that sister!)

Gabby S. said, “…that when everything is taken away and there is so much gone you have to sit and realized what you’re passionate about. Not taking life for granted. Live your life to the fullest…”

Will C. said, “I’ve learned that we the people have the ability to do anything we set our minds to..good or evil and we must take responsibility for the results of our actions as well as face the consequences of our own arrogance…”

Jessica T stated, “…to become spiritually…in 2021, that’s what I’m going to work on…”

Karen M. said, “…that GOD is not through with me yet and to have patience with myself as well as others.”

Anubys P. commented “I have learned that there are infinite power and possibility in my hands. My fate is like a ribbon and I can tie it anyway I want. All it takes is courage and the ability to take life with a grain of salt.”

Charmaine A. said “to appreciate more.”

Devin W. said “to adjust to new things and go with the flow.”

“I need to take the wheel more,” stated Jeanne M, “in the car which is my life.”

“I learned that if we work together and become part of the solution, We can effect change and shake up the establishment. The transition in our country’s administration has come about because people came out in great numbers to cast their votes and make their voices heard. In the case of the George Floyd killing, worldwide protests broke out,” stated Winsome J.,
“and it’s safe to say, things will never be the same. People came out in droves to be a part of the solution, and now change is inevitable. After this challenging pandemic year, we are tougher than we think.”

“…to be more forgiving of me and more grateful for little things,” said LeeAnn N.

Gerald F. commented, “I’ve learned not to settle and to go for my dreams, even if I fall short I’ll be further along than what I was.”

“That more exposure to the unfamiliar” stated Rich R. “leads to more understanding of myself and others.”

“… at the height of the marches and Covid-19, I decided the world did not need the artists was wrong.” shouted Sana M. “The world needs the voice, screams, cries of the artist ALL THE TIME. We are voices for the voiceless we are revolutionaries with our materials.”

“I learned that real Joy truly comes from God. I’m happy with all the outside accolades but when they are gone, I can sit down listen to music, eat good food, watch a good show, and read the word. Just meditate on the small Blessings while the world is fallen apart.” said Tracy P.

“I learned that I can enjoy being alone without being lonely. I learned to be still and listen more; connect to my heart; get to know who I am and who I am becoming.” said Marie B.

“I learned you can’t medicate pain,” said Cassandra J. “face it and deal with it.”

“I learned that I could live without a lot of things….remembering that I was smarter than I knew.” Donna M. said, “…also to take time for me, to breathe, to cry, and laugh out loud.”

I posted this question to jumpstart my own exploration of this year and the various things I learned and experienced. I’m thankful for all the comments given (some said it better than I ever could) and how this year has affected all of us. In 2020, I’m continuously learning to honor (not take for granted) myself and others, my feelings, my visions, basically my life, and all that comes with it. As hard as this past year was, I’m thankful for the gift of life, I’m still here!

I’m looking forward to 2021 and the lessons it will bring into my life as I continue to learn, explore, and write.