In the creation of my revival identity, the second point I outlined was ‘my thirst for knowledge and learning will give me the courage to improve and grow’. I thought that would be a great place for me to start – hence all the books.
I suppose I have been doing that all along. In the beginning I did a lot of reading about how other people had survived divorce and other catastrophes. Then I moved on to what professionals recommend and how philosophical theories originated.
Now my focus has changed. I am reading to improve my own knowledge base and, as background for a possible ‘late-life’ career, I have signed up for two courses. Suddenly my intent has changed from healing to growing. It is an exciting place to be.
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ImageCourtesyOf[Africa]:FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Spring into Summer 
That’s awesome Elizabeth! What courses did you sign up for? I’m so proud of you. ❤
Diana xo
Hello. an editing /writing course; and a counselling course. I will write about it soon 🙂
Brilliant!
Great news! I am sure you will love the ongoing learning 🙂
Thanks. yes I will.
An exciting and GREAT place to be! I hope it is fulfilling as it is enjoyable.
As an aside where do your illustrations come from? I really like them. Are they your creations?
I put a credit to the picture at the bottom of my post. i use free digital photos (because it is free to use when blogging). I have my favourite artists and ‘africa’ is one of them.
ImageCourtesyOf [Africa]:FreeDigitalPhotos.net
All we are asked is to keep moving forward taking time to learn and absorb the many gifts and experiences that life calls us into. Sounds perfect! You should be really proud of yourself Elizabeth.
Karen
Thanks Karen. Moving forward is all we can aim for.
Moving from surviving to thriving is the place where transformation happens! It takes hard work and courage to face ourselves the way that you have done.
I am so excited for you 🙂
Val
Yes. When I read about using ‘transformation’ to come out of pain, I thought ‘that’s a good idea’. Never in a million years did I foresee how difficult that would be. And I still haven’t taken the first step yet!
(Then again, maybe I have 🙂 )
This is great news, Elizabeth. Immersing oneself in learning can be life-changing. (Like Diana, I’m curious what the courses are. 😉 )
I am doing an editing / writing course (2 courses); and a counselling course (not yet signed up for). I will write about it on my blog soon.
I bet you’re going to love it!
It sounds like you’re embarking on an exciting adventure. I like how you describe how the focus of your reading has gradually shifted over time. I’ve also noticed that my reading shifts as I work my may through some of life’s inevitable challenges and difficulties.
Yes, it is quite dramatic. Also, I have developed a passion for reading poetry and I never did before. Or maybe before I did not have the time, or did not allow myself the time, to indulge.
Ooh–healing to growing is a BIG shift. I love this. And the books make me wonder–what have you read and loved lately?
Did you mean for healing or growing?
Healing: ‘Living and Loving After Betrayal by Stephen Stosny. I have been applying things in his book for about 4-5 months now and have found it the best I have read in regard to getting past emotional pain. Plus other old ones but good ones: The Happiness Trap; Man’s Search for Meaning; and Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of highly effective people (again, for about the tenth time).
Of late I have been reading ‘The Fictional Woman’ by Tara Moss, on how woman are regarded in society. Only half way through.
I have read a couple of other ‘becoming strong’ books but have been disappointed.
What have you read and what has worked for you?