One of the great gifts given to humanity is the capacity to learn. So why is it that we have such a challenging time admitting our mistakes? Isn’t realizing we are wrong part of the learning process? If we don’t know what we are doing is wrong, we can’t make the necessary changes to do what is right. Granted, I don’t like to be told I’m wrong. But sometimes being wrong is necessary. Therefore I have healthy respect for people who are bold enough to(kindly)shine light on my flaws. Unfortunately, I don’t encounter these people often enough.
I recently had a conversation with my husband about a mutual friend. This friend is walking through the consequences of choices he has made and is not very quick on the uptake about why he is where he is in life. He grumbles and complains a lot over what is being done to him rather than taking responsibility for his choices. And while we have tried to encourage him to examine himself and learn from each experience, he quickly doubles down on his positions–disregarding our advice. This led my husband to say today, “Well, I suppose eventually we all learn by experience–like it or not.”
Sometimes we pick and choose the truths we want to believe. I saw a meme on Facebook today that said Taco Bell beef is only 36% beef. I was astounded. What do you mean it’s not all beef? What else could possibly be in there? Why would Taco Bell lie to me that way? But I also know that some people like to post propaganda on social media that is less than truthful. So I explored the truth behind this claim and learned that Taco Bell beef filling is actually 88% beef and 12% filler. And then, because that story is nearly two years old, I went directly to the Taco Bell website where they fully disclose ingredients in all their food. After that I felt somewhat satisfied. It’s important to sort out actual truth and disseminate it from a lie perpetuated as truth.
In my personal experience, one of the great hindrances to acknowledging mistakes was the interference of my personal preferences. My pride often stood in the way–like a solid brick wall–preventing me from seeing how my choices truly affected my life. As a result, I continued to make poor choices and then be baffled by the consequences.
I used to think a meal was healthy if I ate salad with it. I also used to think drinking water negated calories consumed. I would pick and choose my personal truths like a trip to the all-you-can-eat buffet. I didn’t want to believe I was overeating because I couldn’t stand the thought of giving up the foods I loved. I made a conscious decision to not exercise and live snack to meal as if there were no consequences. The problem was, my body type didn’t allow me to eat unrestrained without accumulating vast quantities of fat. The more weight I gained, the more despairing I became until one day I had to face the truth. I consider that day the most important step in my journey–the first one. I had to acknowledge I had made a mistake(a lot of mistakes actually) and then begin to learn what living a healthy lifestyle actually looked like. This meant discovering that many of the things I previously believed were lies. It was a painful truth, and yet it was breathtakingly beautiful to be set free from all the lies.
I consider the ability to learn truly incredible. It means I don’t have to be the same person tomorrow that I am today. It means life can be lived in a state of perpetual adventure. Pitfalls and blunders become opportunities to improve. The unknown can be filled with awe and wonder. Intellect becomes this gateway by which I pass from oblivious to mindful knowing. But the most wonderful news of all is that the journey never ends while I am alive.
I believe the ability to learn is a gift from our creator and when utilized properly, brings him great glory. How else could something so painful(admitting fault) be used to transform my(years-long)foolishness into a 140 pound weight loss journey? You see, living a healthy lifestyle is not a diet. It’s not a “get-thin-quick” scheme. It’s not a “21 day fix” or a boot-camp style regime. I suppose some people take great pride in paying for and completing such programs. But for me and my stubborn will, I have to purposefully fight every day with my body. And so the more I learn about it, the easier it is to admonish and care for. That is why learning is so cool. Every day is a new opportunity for adventure. Yesterday it was riding my bicycle. Today it’s cooking a lean meat in a new way. And tomorrow? Well, I for one can’t wait to see what it brings.
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