Pipsqueaks and Giants

Hey Steemers,

I want to delve into various stages of living and learning, as I see them. I'd like to offer a very general timeline of how we progress in specific areas and life as a whole. There are three distinct stanzas, if you will.

1. New beginnings- a time to learn from others, make mistakes, and invest in yourself
2. Productivity- create, generate, appreciate
3. Giving back- share knowledge, give back tenfold what was invested in you
   
   We need to crawl before we can walk, and speak before we can sing. The ability to learn is one of our strongest attributes. We have the capacity to acquire skills, memorize songs, and become absolute wealths of information. Let's invest in doing so! Why the hell not?

In the beginning
In the beginning of lives and journeys, we know very little. This is when we should seek out teachers, those with experience and education. In this stage, we are asking others to invest in us. There is nothing to feel guilty about- they had to do the same. To ask for help is to acknowledge capability in another. It is a compliment, as well as a driving force for connection. I have deep relationships with my mentors, because their wisdom and my naivety have walked long roads together. Let the first steps humble and excite you. Allow the world to offer up its resources. You are a worthy investment.
Mistakes are beautiful things. Sometimes they bring growth, other times just comedic relief. Either way, relish those moments. You are building techniques and cultivating patience. Do not play it safe. Fail often; try again; laugh at yourself. This is the time to do so. One day, your actions will feel graceful and easy.

Thrive
This middle stage is characterized by rapid growth and proficiency. You are rockin' increasingly more independence, and doin' the damn thing. You are taking what you've learned and applying it. You get to see the results of your education and mistakes every day. This is where I am in my current job. I feel good at it, and DAMN is it good to feel good.
This stage offers the potential for "runner's high"- type feelings. This is because we have spent enough time on this planet or on a particular goal to make it feel easier. Things we once grappled with now come automatically. Muscle memories have formed, and speed has increased. It is my belief that we produce our best work during this time.

The Return
The world invested in you. You grew exponentially as a result. The next step involves teaching, offering your knowledge to those in earlier stages. You see, no one else can be the resource you have become. Your journey has lead you to where you are right now- and it is distinct to any other human. This is the time to spread wisdom like wildfire and invest yourself in others. Donate to charities, volunteer, answer questions. This wealth of knowledge you have become? You are a renewable resource. You can give endlessly without diminishing. In this way, the circle is closed and the cycle has completed.

I would like to acknowledge a caveat. Life is not a linear process. We do not always progress seamlessly through these stages, but instead get stuck or even move backwards. We can be beginners in some areas of our lives, and experts in others. And above all, we are lifelong learners. It is vital to remain humble, and to incorporate new information into our knowledge structures. Let's be like water in this way- flexible enough to change direction, and strong enough to carve valleys out of mountains.