“Experience is the teacher of all things.”
~ Julius Caesar
Experience, by definition, refers to knowledge and skills that we accrue through life situations. A “wealth of experiences” is a phrase that denotes a rich array of happenings. Regardless of age (or season, or culture, or beliefs), our experiences—and what we make of them—comprise the foundation from whence we continue to grow.
What’s the most enjoyable—or strangest—or challenging—experience that you (or you and your family) have ever had?
While contemplating some of the pleasant, unusual, and adventurous experiences enjoyed by friends, I began to reflect upon my own experiential past. What stands out as being most memorable? Mind-blowing? Scary? Weird? Gratifying? Exciting? And why?
Moreover, what have I learned from those experiences? Plus, how can I “up the ante” so my future might be imbued with additional dynamic and worthwhile experiences? (Ideally ones that I can also learn from, and write about, and that can be shared with family and friends.)
As parents, grandparents, and teachers, we can choose to invigorate life with fun activities, robust celebrations, meaningful encounters, interesting journeys, informative books and resources, and significant events. These experiences may be short, long, wonderful, challenging, or even peculiar. But that’s okay. Each represents a learning curve for us—and potentially for the younger people in our lives as well—as we engage in different aspects of life.
SHARING…
“Experience is not what happens to you; it’s what you do with what happens to you.”
~ Aldous Huxley
When family members communicate openly with one another, ideas flourish and possibilities abound. We can talk about our experiences, exchange stories and photos, ask and answer questions, reach out to other people who are or were impactful, and visit (virtually or in real time) places and things that evoke memories and emotions. And, sharing experiences can inform and inspire others to do likewise.
Therefore, in the interest of sharing…
What was my weirdest experience? While in Kenya, I was in a hot-air balloon that crash-landed upside-down into a defunct termite hill. We had to adapt by crawling out of the carrier basket through a small opening. (Yes, there’s a story there!)
What was my scariest experience? I’ve endured a few scary times, but I will never forget being in a 7.8 earthquake (epicenter only 20 km away) while in New Zealand. The quake hit around midnight. It was dark, and things were falling from shelves, and we were afraid there would be a tsunami. We resolved to be resilient. Tremors continued for days. (There are more stories…)
My most gratifying experience? I can’t pinpoint one because there are many, and they mostly involve family cohesiveness and times of togetherness. They include celebratory milestones; family trips and summer fun, unscripted memorable moments; times of support, love, and encouragement—some good, some harrowing—but all of them drawing us together. For that, I am thankful.
LAST WORDS
“Wealth is the ability to fully experience life.”
~ David Henry Thoreau
So, what can adults do so future experiences for themselves and their families will resonate, and be enriching? In other words, how can we create a “wealth of experiences?”
Admittedly, there’s a balance between what people can and cannot control in life. However, there are many opportunities to learn and grow—to be steadfast and tenacious; to welcome possibilities; to engage with others; and to share the experiences we have. To that end, I plan to continue to cherish family times, fortify friendships, travel, write (my new children’s picture book is coming soon!), seek adventures, and endeavor to stay healthy and fully enjoy the years ahead!
What experiences do you have planned???
AUTHOR’S NOTE – For more on this topic, see Meaningful Experiences (For Kids, and Adults, Too) on the Blog page
