2013 word of the year: Learn
18 Jan
I’ve seen a few people write about their words of the year – the word that they hope will define their actions in 2013. I didn’t think I had ONE word that I could use for this year, but last night it struck me. Of course I do. This year’s word is learn.
There are so many things in my life that I’ve said “I’d really like to know how to do that” about. So, this year I’m going to try to learn how to do some of them. I took an intro to sewing course last week, which was so inspiring, because it demystified the whole thing, and made me really keen to do more. I’m thinking of going back to the same place to take an intro to dressmaking course soon, and you never know – by this time next year I might actually be a dab hand with a sewing machine!
Another thing I wish I could do better is take and style photographs. I love photography, and always have my camera in my bag. But I don’t really know how to USE it properly, apart from just ‘point and shoot’. Peter has a really lovely camera, which I borrow all the time, and I want to learn how to use it. So in March I’ll be doing an introductory photography course, and then in April I’m taking a photography and styling course. I really can’t wait!
Me: “What’s that?”
Peter: “A flower.”
Me: “Yes, I can see that. What kind of flower?”
Peter: “A red one.”
I have that conversation with Peter pretty much every time we go for a walk. It could be about a flower, or a tree, or a bird. I never know the name of anything, and neither does he. My grandmother used to know the name of everything I ever asked her about (in nature), and I would love to have that knowledge. I’ve picked up some pocket guides to flowers and birds, and will be carrying them with me when we go on walks, or taking photographs and using those to identify them when I get home. Even if I only learn a handful more this year, and a handful more the year after that, I’ll still be moving in the right direction.
I still don’t have the answer to the question ‘What do you want to do when you grow up?’. I can’t even answer the question ‘Where do you see yourself in one year’s time?’. As much as I hate this term, I feel like I have a lot of ‘soul-searching’ to do over the next few months. I want to do something with my life that makes me feel totally fulfilled (or at least 80% fulfilled), and I just don’t know what that is right now.
So – any suggestions for courses to take? Any tips for someone who wants to learn how to sew, take good photos or know about nature? Or, if you have any bright ideas about what I should do with the rest of my life, you know, leave it in the comments 
Such a great word! I think that is the word for my life (constant student over here). There are so many ways to learn without spending too much money either though. A lot of the London museums do free guided tours. creativeLIVE is a great resource for live photography workshops (and they have also added some more business related ones), the internet is full of diys and online workshops. I did a calligraphy one last year with istilllovecalligraphy (just need to practice more this year). The “soul-searching” one is a bit harder, but good luck!
Thanks Michelle! Will have to check out creativeLIVE once I actually know how to use the camera properly…
I love your word. There’s always room to learn!
One of my 2013 resolutions was to learn a new skill but I’ve not decided what, yet. I did a one day photography course last year and they offer a higher level one. I could do this, or maybe a sewing workshop? Lots of ideas here. I really enjoy your posts.
Thank you so much!
There’s so much out there to choose from – it’s hard to narrow down and focus! I guess it’s an ongoing process, so there’s nothing to stop you doing both! One now and one in a few months’ time…