The Learn Page March 2022

Welcome back to The Learn Page for March and to Oportus' third monthly update, where once again I'm sharing something I've learned - I appreciate you taking the time to look and read, I really do.

What a difference a day makes, so the old saying goes.

There were only hours between the two pictures above which I took at the same spot just outside my front door. So it is with life...the exact same circumstances can appear so different depending on my perspective. One moment, everything seems calm, smooth and plain sailing and the next, it feels like I have dark clouds blocking out the sun and my vision everywhere.​

I have spent many years in employment in various sectors, from hospitality to charity work to teaching (among others). The predictability of a weekly or monthly salary is both reassuring and safe, as is knowing exactly where my duties begin and end. The moments of uncertainty, the responsibility and the constant curve balls of running a new business in a new country sometimes make employment start to feel appealing, especially for someone like me who isn't in the "first flush of youth!" However, the exploring and learning parts of this adventure more than make up for the turbulence of running my own business.

We had our first online session at the end of February, which reminded me why I'm doing this. As Storm Franklin howled outside, I was inspired and uplifted at the idea of making a difference in people's lives. The buzz was palpable and we reluctantly ended the session thirty minutes later than we'd scheduled as people were so engaged, interested and interesting.

In the last newspage, I spoke about the challenges of getting going in spite of not being sure what lay ahead; What would I say I've learned in the last month? I'm learning that, even well into the journey, surprises and storm clouds don't stop coming - but neither do moments of joy and excitement! I'm also learning not to take things too seriously, to be grateful for what I have and keep going regardless of trials, temptations and tempests.

My journey is neither straightforward nor structured, and that's OK. As long as I'm doing the things I need to do, the unexpected doesn't need to unsettle me.

How about you? In a world that can seem ever more unstable, what are you learning, and what keeps you moving forward? Do get in touch and share your learning journey, successes and setbacks - I'd love to hear from you!

Until next time, let's keep learning...

And I'm also delighted to let you know that, following the success of The Learn Thing training event, we are going to run a four-week online course starting on April the 22nd.

Please go to the link below to find out more and get your ticket on Eventbrite:

https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/the-learn-thing-course-tickets-293787264617