Learning Towards Heaven

Recently I saw a television program where Heaven was a different place for each person. It was like a bubble bath, each bubble a whole world of ideal memories and moments for that one person. Sometimes the bubbles would join and you were able to see what others' Heavens were and how you fit into them. It was an interesting concept in that the two people, who were siblings, learned more about one another through their Heavens than they did during life.

I started thinking: What would my Heaven be like?

I don't necessarily believe that Heaven is in the atmosphere somewhere, existing on clouds. While that may be someone's Heaven, it's not mine. Obviously, I don't know that for sure. No one knows except those who have slipped behind the veil and they're not talking. If I pictured an ethereal Heaven though, it would be a peaceful state with colors, kind of like lying on the floor in the middle of a planetarium. My other imaginations of Heaven, however, are a bit more earthy.

I can picture Heaven as climbing apple trees with my cousin or running barefoot through tobacco fields. It could be catching fireflies in the evenings or the smell of bacon cooking in the morning. I also can picture it as eating watermelon during a summer evening after a bath, watching The Carol Burnett Show.

Heaven also could steal memories out of sadness: like the last time I spoke to my parents. It could be lying in bed with my mother on the day she died, holding her hand. Those last moments, which ultimately are some of the most trying of my life, also are the most precious. I can picture Heaven as watching my child's heart beat, even though I suffered a miscarriage just weeks later. Those periods of time looped--no beginning, no ending--yeah, I could do eternity.

But maybe Heaven's not a memory but a feeling, like the gratitude you owe a friend for "being there" or the comfort you get from your parent's embrace after skinning your knee. Maybe it's the moment after a hot shower when you feel "human" again, or the feeling of warm clothes out of the dryer.

In thinking about Heaven and what it would be for me, I realized the threads people have woven into my life, and how rich and strong it is because of those moments. The fact that I could take a painful moment like the deaths of my parents and turn that into Heaven tells me I've taken more away from the experience than just the pain.

So, my question to you is: what learning in life's journey can you picture as Heaven?

Welcoming a New Year...2010

Can you believe it? Another year has gone and a new one is just hours away!

Everyone assesses their lives during this time: remembering those who have left us, cherishing those who are still with us, celebrating successes and learning from failures. Each new year provides us with the opportunity to wipe the slate clean and start fresh!

For lots of people, 2009 will be a year that they're glad to see go! But everyone has those years that aren't so grand. The essential thing to remember is to learn from what's happened and then move forward with optimism. Even the saddest, harshest times can bring gratitude and appreciation.

One thing I have noticed as I've gotten older is how quickly time seems to go. Now, I know that an hour is still the same length of time as it was when I was 10, but it just seems to go faster. When I was a kid and heard, "It will be an hour...", I was devastated. Now, I'm relieved that it's only that long. "An hour? Great! I can read or catch up on my email, or just r-e-l-a-x..." What a difference puberity makes!

2010 brings the start of my doctorate. I've spent a good deal of time determining if I really wanted this piece of parchment, and I've finally decided that I do. I have every type of degree there is: Associate, Bachelor's, *two* Master's...I would like a complete set, thank you! What can I say? Some people collect stamps.

One thing I am grateful for as 2009 comes to a close is my education. I recognize that when I was born, a degree for a woman was not as appreciated as it should have been. I also recognize that there are still countries where women are not deemed worthy of an education.

So, I look to the future with hope as the new year rounds the corner! I hope this year brings all of you good health and happiness!

Happy New Year!

I believe in...

Laughter.
Unconditional love.
The goodness of others.
A sense of humor.
Gas prices will come down.
Soulmates.
Barry Mannilow. (just kidding)
The trust of a child.
The colors of autumn.
A fire and a good book.
A real hug.
The Carolina Hurricanes.
Saying 'Thank you.'
The company of good friends.
That song on the radio that takes you back to when you were 16.
Spring rain.
Giving.
Socks that stay up.
Your faith.
The world will be innocent (and friends) again one day.
Saying 'I love you' to those whom you do.
Warm towels out of the dryer.
A hard day's work.
The Beatles.
Old movies.
Not talking on your cell phone when driving.
Tickling.
Holding hands with your parents.
Kindness to animals.
Family.

What do you believe in?

There's Nothing Like a Conference...

There's nothing like a conference to make you realize how very much there is to keep track of in the learning world. I have just returned from the ASTD International Conference and Expo in Washington, DC. A friend of mine had a call for volunteers and I was happy to be able to help!

This was the first time I had volunteered but I doubt it will be the last. I had a blast although it was extremely tiring! The only negative was less time to explore the Expo, but duty called!

The conference reminded me how much I love being in an environment where learning is prized and cultivated! To see others care as much--if not more--about creating meaningful learning experiences really touched me as a professional.

Also, I hadn't realized how very thirsty I was to get in touch with peers who are just as committed, craved ideas, and get excited over any and every piece of learning as I do!

And...I got a rubber chicken!

I assure you the rubber chicken was not the highlight but it goes to show what can be a learning tool. I can see it being passed around as sort of a 'hot potato' to music or used as a contestant response tool in a game. Believe me! When a learner squeezes this thing, there will be no doubt as to where the squawk came from first! Plus, it's hilarious! And studies show that learners who have fun are more engaged, and thus learn more!

Social media was a big topic at the conference, of course. Using tools like Twitter and Facebook to create learning experiences seems to be the opportunity of the day, as well as using virtual worlds like Second Life. These tools definitely bring us challenges in how to use them in a creative way for learning but also bring into question of do these tools belong in the business world? The answer from this week's conference is that they're already being used in today's business environments, so I guess the question that remains is: Will businesses that do not adopt these tools get left behind?

I'm interested in anyone's thoughts on this topic from both sides of isle. Regardless of one's view point, however, I think we all can agree that it's an exciting time to be in learning!

The Inevitable Has Happened...

I'm blogging. Oh dear.

I've tried to avoid this as much as possible but I've determined that everyone must eventually do something that pushes them a little further "out there."

And I've recently accepted something about myself and the world: I'm a life-long learner. If I'm bored, I seek something new to learn in order to occupy myself and my time, but also to grow. At first, I thought I suffered from mania or an insatiable need to keep busy. What's that old saying? Idle hands...minds...something?

But in fact, I just love learning new things! And with the state of the economy, I think it would be a benefit for everyone to learn something new. You never know where it may lead...

So, in conclusion of my first blog, I look forward to learning something new from all of you!