I do not know about you, but reading has become one of my happy places. You can find me most evenings curled up on my couch with a good book and a cup of tea. My love of books is something that I have passed on to my girls. They love the library and reading as much, if not more than I do.
For so many, reading can be an escape. It allows you to take a break from your every day and go to another place. One of my favorite genre of books to read, and do not judge me, is romance novels. Whether they are contemporary, historical, suspense, or Christian romance novels. I love reading about others who get to experience a happily ever after.
Although I will probably always love reading a great romance novel, the older I get the more I embrace other genres of books and realize reading is not only for our enjoyment. Reading allows us to learn and to grow in so many ways as well.
Some of us may have been finished with schools for many years, but it does not mean we are ever finished learning. As we grow and change, so do the people and things around us.
Positive Growth Requires Us To Keep Learning
If you want to get better at something or grow in some area, you have to commit to putting in the work and learning new things.
The wise also will hear and increase in learning, and the person of understanding will acquire skill and attain to sound counsel.
Proverbs 1:5 (AMPC)
Whether that is learning a new skill, like cooking. Cooking for some may come naturally and for others it takes a lot of effort. But no matter which side of the fence you fall on, even professional chefs, have to commit to staying current and learning new ways and things to cook. A lot of which involves reading new cookbooks and trying new recipes. This same perspective we can apply in so many areas of our lives.
If you are looking to grow in your faith, as a wife, as a mom, or all three. Learning new things, new ways to look at things, and getting different insights on these things is so important.
Maintaining Healthy Relationships Requires Us To Never Stop Learning
This one has helped me so much in my marriage, with my daughters, and in my friendships. As much as we may wish some things and some people would stay the same, they do not. Our husbands grow and change over the years. The man you may have married in your twenties is not going to be that exact man in your thirties or forties.
Some of the same things can be said for you as well. Marriage changes you. Motherhood changes you. The storms of life change you as well. Learning what to do when the storms and trials of life come, because they are going to come, is so important.
The storms of life can often test our strength, our relationships, and our faith. They also can push us in one of two directions. Either push us closer to God, deeper into our life-giving relationships, and strengthen us.
Or pushes us away from God, away from our life-giving relationships, and appears to weaken us. The choice is ours regarding the direction we take.
So it is important that along this journey of life, we are investing our time to learning the right things and surrounding ourselves with the right counsel. Giving us the knowledge, wisdom, and insight to choose the right direction.
Take good counsel and accept correction- that’s the way to live wisely and well.
Proverbs 19:20 (MSG)
A lot of the counsel we receive comes from those we love and care about in our lives. Some of my best friends and family members have poured into my life and helped me to grow in so many different ways. I know the same can be said for you. Yet, there is so much that we can gain and things we can learn from the books of people that we may never meet.
So over the next few weeks, I am going to share with you with some of the top books that will you help you grow as a woman, in your faith, and in your marriage. Areas we should never stop learning things about and growing in. Not just ourselves, but our families. Who isn’t excited to add a few more great reads to their must-read list?!
I’d love to know what was the last book you read in the comments!
I love this message! Learning should be a lifelong journey and it doesn’t end! Even “experts” in their fields still learn new things constantly! I think that’s what makes me most passionate about writing and blogging is that I’m always learning new things, reading new articles and finding fresh new ways to introduce content to the world.
I love learning and do not plan to stop learning anytime soon. A fellow friend said “when you stop learning you are dead” It is brutal honestly but it’s the truth we are always learning. Learning = growth thanks for sharing
Keeping learning and growing in the fore front of your life is so important, Ayanna.
This is great. Continued learning is so important.
This is so true, and what an incredible message to set for your children!
This is a great reminder! I think I’m always happier when I’m challenging myself, whether it be physically or mentally!
Learning is so important, I totally agree with this post.
I am definitely always up for a new read, especially an inspirational read. And I agree, we need to keep learning. Not just mentally, but physically. Keep moving, keep going, keep learning! That will keep us young.
Love this! That healthy relationships need continual learning! 🙂
This is so true! It’s easy to become complacent in life and forget that in order to grow, we have to be open to new concepts and experiences. That means learning about new things all the time.
I just finished Digital Minimalism, and am currently reading What Got You Here Won’t Get You There. I really enjoyed Digital Minimalism and I’m doing a digital detox in June thanks to that book.
I definitely agree with you! Learning comes everyday with every people we met. I work at a setting where in I’m always facing people and I love it cause I’m learning so much from them.
I used to read so many books but I’ve really gotten out of the habit.
I totally agree with you. We need to continuously learn so we could continuously grow.
Yes totally agree there’s alway something new!
This is great! I am trying to teach this to my daughter – especially about learning things from reading. She isn’t too fond of reading right now but it’s so important for so many reasons.
This is a great post Ayanna! I totally agree with you that we should never stop learning. I’m definitely at my happiest when I have my nose in a book…my list of books I want to read is super long! I cannot wait to see which books you’ll be sharing over the coming weeks!
This is so so so true! And I think people become very passive about this over time rather than actively seeking ways to learn! I’ve always got a new book in my hand on a topic I feel I need improvement on.
Learning is definitely something we have to be actively seeking, Brittany.
Very cool post, I resonated with so many of your ideas! It’s never too early (or too late) to study, grow and develop ourselves.
I totally agree (and am a bookworm myself)! Learning is a lifelong process. The moment we think we have learned it all, we fail ourselves. We are all life-long students. I love that your girls love to read too! Hoping my little girl becomes a bookwork like her Mama also. <3
Yes! Learning is so important, and books are a fabulous way to learn. I’m currently reading the Ministry of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson.
I had a conversation with someone just the other day. The persona was talking about business and said to me “It’s okay for you, you already know everything.” I explained that one of the things I love the most about my business is that I am constantly learning new things. This is what keeps me so passionate about it.
Yes, Wendy. We never get to a point where we know everything and with things always changing it is so important to never get to a place where we feel that way either.
I agree with you so much Ayanna. Learning is something I am constantly thinking about and focusing on. If I couldn’t continually learn I would not be a happy person. I also think it’s our duty to keep learning as good people. To show our children that learning is forever, to put ourselves in others shoes and to become wellrounded individuals. Great post and good reminder! I look forward to seeing your book list!
Yes, Yolanda! Being an example for our kids is so important and I’m so excited to share my favorite reads with you.