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In September 2007 - at the age of 60 - I enrolled in Skipper doll 20 week refresher course in Conversational Irish (Ghaeilge Labhartha) at University College Cork. Many of my generation were alienated towards the Irish language, because it was compulsory Aurora Wolfman model learn it in school, where it was often taught in an ineffective and harsh manner. I attended an Irish speaking school, The North The Joker action figure and thanks to some enlightened teachers, I developed a life long interest in the Irish language. I was a fluent Irish speaker when I completed my secondary education in 1964.
Also, I spent several summer holidays in Irish speaking Gaeltacht areas, where I experienced it as a living language and appreciated Gaeilge as an important part of our cultural identity, as expressed in music, stories and dance. English is the everyday language of Ireland, so I have had very few opportunities to speak Irish since leaving school.
I'm telling you this story for two reasons. First as an example of a retirement hobby, and secondly because of my interest in life long learning.
Participating in this course has brought me in contact with a new "tribe" and learning community. I use the word tribe deliberately to describe a social grouping, which comes together for a common purpose, and who share a common interest. How many tribes do you belong to? I'm a Toastmaster, a golfer, a hillwalker, a Rotarian and an Irish speaker, for example. In each of those roles I may be perceived as having a different identity.
I got the gift of a love of learning Watchmen comic my parents, some teachers and mentors - and it is a gift, because those who love learning are more likely to persevere and receive positive feedback from tutors and peers. I like learning new skills, even though it can be challenging and frustrating to gain mastery. Learning keeps me young at heart, because I associate learning with being young, and it has positive health benefits including delaying cognitive decline.
Is there something you would like to learn? Or refresh? A sport? A language? Dancing? Or music? Maybe you are hesitant to try because you've heard that "you can't teach and old dog new tricks."
It's true that learning to do new things is more difficult as you get older, because it's harder to break habits and let go of the old way of doing things. Prior to my early fifties, all my writing was done with paper and pencil. At work I would write out a memo or letter and give it to a typist. This was a tedious process, especially for the secretary, who had to interpret my script. Tedious but comfortable, it was a long standing habit.
When I first started to use a PC, about ten years ago, I found that it created a barrier that made my creative writing difficult. But I persevered and now I would find it unthinkable to return to the old way. The word processor has added greatly to my efficiency and to my enjoyment of writing. It makes rewriting and reorganising so easy. I'm sure glad I learnt that "new trick"!
We are all born learners and learning is easy under certain conditions. Let me use my conversational Irish course as an example:
I am motivated to learn Irish because I see it as an important part of my heritage. I believe I can learn it, because I have reference experiences of doing similar things. I have an excellent tutor whose teaching style is entertaining and encouraging. Some of my classmates are excellent models of the skill I am developing. And, unlike my schooldays, I have the opportunity to practice without worrying about making mistakes.
If there is something important to you that you would like to learn, or a skill you would like to develop, I suggest you find a suitable coach/tutor, locate a learning environment of supportive peers, believe that you can - and enjoy yourself!
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To read more Retirement Stories - Real Stories from Real People and to find out more about Retirement Coaching - Go to Retirement-Stories.com
Everyone has a certain identity. We all have elements Archie Comics our personality that shape who we are. Traits and habits that Munsters model us unique and help us develop the individual that we are. What is so fascinating is that no two people have the same identity, nor the same interests. Even if you Barbie and Ken similar interests, tastes, or hobbies with somebody else there is something that distinguishes you from others. It's not just a matter of a unique DNA make up; it's also about what makes us tick. Everybody takes a different path in life that helps us to stand out from the crowd. We all have unique experiences in our careers, home life, family, friends, interests, hobbies-there are so many various elements that make us into who we are.
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For those who love the hobby of model boat building, clubs offer a unique place to get together and share thoughts on the subject. There is so much to talk about and by getting together who share a common interest you can learn things and share your own ideas and experiences. We are all unique indeed and even within a commonly shared hobby we can come together with our own points of view and share that with others.
Being part of a model boat club can really add to your love of the hobby and allow you to meet some great people for whom you share a common interest. Model boat building clubs offer a common bond and can help you to excel in the hobby. If you have ever considered joining one, then a visit to a local meeting may be an excellent way to develop some great friendships.
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