Lifelong Learning: Staying Curious at Every Age
I’m a little late getting the September theme started, but I’m really excited about it since learning is such a big part of my life. This month is all about Lifelong Learning.
It’s tempting to only think of this as relating to school, classrooms, textbooks, and homework. But some of the most meaningful learning happens long after we leave school, and involves all sorts of environments. We learn through books, travel, hobbies, conversations, creative projects, mistakes, and paying attention to the world around us.
I've always loved learning new things. I'm naturally curious, and when something interests me, I love to dive in. I thoroughly enjoy researching a place I want to visit, figuring out a new design technique, reading about a topic that caught my attention, or learning how to do something I've never tried before. One question usually leads to another, which is part of the fun.
That's what I want to celebrate this month. Learning doesn't have to lead to a degree, a certificate, or even anything particularly useful. Sometimes it's enough to follow your curiosity simply because you want to know more.
Reflection questions for September
Use these prompts to think about the role learning and curiosity play in your life.
What are you curious about right now?
Think about the subjects, questions, places, or ideas you keep coming back to.
What's something you've learned recently?
It could be useful, surprising, funny, or completely random.
What would you love to learn how to do?
Maybe there's a skill, hobby, creative technique, or activity you've always wanted to try.
Who has taught you something that has stayed with you?
Consider teachers, family members, friends, coworkers, authors, or other people who have influenced the way you think or do things.
How has something you've learned changed you?
Sometimes learning gives us more than information. It can change our interests, habits, opinions, or even the direction of our lives.
Creative ideas for memory keeping
Here are a few simple ways to bring the theme of learning into your memory keeping.
Make a page about something you're interested in right now
Document a skill you're learning or trying to improve
Create a list called Things I Want to Learn
Tell the story of a teacher or mentor who influenced you
Document something you know now that you didn't know a year ago
These don't have to become serious or complicated projects. A scrapbook page about the books stacked on your nightstand or a journal entry about your latest rabbit hole can tell just as much about you as a page devoted to a major accomplishment.
Add a creative touch
If you enjoy using digital supplies, my Lifelong Learning Collection was created especially for this month's theme. It's inspired by books, curiosity, discovery, creativity, and the idea that we're never really finished learning.
The collection includes thoughtful designs that work for documenting traditional school memories, but I wanted it to go well beyond the classroom. Use it for the books you're reading, things you're researching, new hobbies you're exploring, skills you're practicing, places you're discovering, or any of the interests that keep you curious.
Get the full Lifelong Learning collection in one discounted bundle. This set is designed for documenting school memories, reading, personal growth, classes, creative learning, field notes, new skills, and everyday discoveries. It includes thoughtful pocket cards, warm patterned papers, coordinating solids, and layered templates with extra room for journaling.
Includes
Lifelong Learner Pocket Cards
24 cards total, 12 size 3x4 and 12 size 6x4
Digital JPEG files + printable PDF
Lifelong Learning Patterned Paper Pack
15 patterned 12x12 papers, 300 dpi (JPEG)
Lifelong Learning Solid Paper Pack
15 solid 12x12 papers, 300 dpi (JPEG)
Lifelong Learning Template Set
8 layered templates total
4 layered 12x12 single page templates
4 layered 24x12 double page templates
Digital download only. No physical product will be shipped. Personal use only.
Keep this theme close
Follow a question. Pick up a book. Try something unfamiliar. Ask someone to teach you how they do something. Give yourself permission to be a beginner.
We don't have to stop being students just because we're no longer sitting in a classroom. There will always be something new to discover, and I think that's one of the things that makes life interesting.
