Challenge yourself

[Claire]

When was the last time you picked up something -- hobby, new class, you name it -- to challenge yourself? I'm mostly thinking of those of us for whom youth is but a memory, but anyone can join in. I am quite tall and not thin (actually, I'm a gal but am about the same size as an average man my age)(genes, what can ya say?). A few months ago a new friend started a belly dancing class. Normally this wouldn't be a far stretch for me, but it was scheduled for evenings, so I took a pass. Well, she broke her ankle, and when she rescheduled I felt the need to be a supportive friend. So I spent yesterday evening wriggling and working it! Not to mention laughing and having a blast.

 

[jabbur]

Good for you Claire! Several years ago, I had quit my job as a nurse (25 years in various positions) and a friend was taking sign language class. I went to support her and found a new language and career! Every time I use my hands to communicate, I'm grateful to her for the introduction to a new skill and I am challenged to find the best way to use my new language.

 

[MSC]

LOL, I promise never to take a belly-dance class, it would definitely scare the horses!
Current projects--ongoing experimentation with obscure (to me) cuisines, some of which actually work!
And doing lots more music biz consulting and wondering if it's a sign of the times...thirst for knowledge on which to build a career or "just gimme the shortcuts and I'll be a star"

 

[bethzaring]

bout ten years ago, when I retired at age 48, I was concerned that I was leaving a mentally challenging job and wanted to undertake some kind of challenging endeavor the keep the ole mind sharp.....since I had long wanted to learn to play the piano, I took piano lessons. I had played the clarinet for 8 years in grade, jr. high and high school so I understood the treble clef, but had not one clue what the bass clef was about. I took lessons from a married couple, both professional musicians, and had two very different teachers. The woman had me learn by the John Thompson book series, while the husband just asked me to play/practice what I wanted. I mainly had the woman as my teacher. I was obsessed with my lessons for about 10 months and progressed quite well. I basically reached my goal, which was to be able to play Christmas carols. I also learned that I would never be able to site read piano music, I would have to learn each piece by practicing. I still play a bit. I bought a digital piano that is made for beginners; it has a built in metronome and a recording feature so you can play back what you played....quite informative and humbling to listen to yourself