You have to be intentional about embracing new learning. For example, I learned something new and better recently, but I keep reverting to the old ways. When I mention my frustration to my husband, he generally shakes his head and asks why I'm not embracing the new learning and always reverting back. One reason that this is true is that I haven't really sat back and listed what this new learning entails. The new learning is in the realm of relationships and has a lot to do with the changing boundaries, expectations, and behaviors of changing relationships as people move into their own lives and further away from the life you once shared.
For example, my siblings more and more are moving into the lives of their families and friends which are expanding and changing in many ways. While we continue to share some basic values, experiences, and hopes for our lives; we have also chosen many varying paths. For this matter amongst others, it's critical that we respect each other, and perhaps, depend less on each other. We can continue to support one another as we can and share in special family celebrations and common goals, but when it comes to our individual paths, it's often the case that we don't have the expertise, interest, or ability to help out or be there for one another. One example of this is our professional endeavors--some of us have chosen very different career paths from one another which makes it nearly impossible to support one another professionally. We also have differing demands when it comes to how we support our families and friends simply because our families and friends often represent different interests, locations, and needs. Further, we often differ philosophically too, and while we need to respect each other's philosophical beliefs, we may not be able to embrace those beliefs or support actions and endeavors that match those beliefs. To put it simply, we can be there for one another when we have what each other needs, but we will live our own lives and follow our own paths. I can't forget that.
Another example is the aging process. It's easy and not uncommon to want to deny the aging process. In your mind, you may still be that twenty-year-old that can conquer almost everything, when in truth, what your body and mind need many years later is something quite different and possibly a more wholesome, consistent routine of health and safety. It's better to embrace that rather than deny it if you want to have a healthy older age.
And, as the world changes, so does the information and reality around us. We need to stay up to date in order to live our best lives in what is in many ways a new world. When I think back to my younger life, I can point to countless aspects of life that have changed considerably. It's best to acknowledge those changes and make amends to embrace the positive changes while making decisions, perhaps, to not embrace changes you deem negative or not worth the time. The more you ignore the changes in the world around you, however, the further you get behind. For most matters, it's best to keep up with the changes as well as you can.
Onward.
