lifelong learning....what's that?

I've always loved learning, even as a kid.  I was the kid who loved going to school and hated staying home sick.  Even in high school, I would have rather stayed home and done my homework or studied on a Friday or Saturday night instead of going out with friends. I don't know though, maybe I was just an antisocial freak who was too afraid to get out there and actually do something with my life other than academics. Who knows?

Although challenges scare the hell out of me (as do most things in this world), I accept them with rigor and determination.  Sometimes I let my fears get the best of me and I become so overwhelmed that I'll break down.  But for the most part, I'm able to overcome those fears and push forward.  When I have a task, a goal, or a dream, I will do whatever it takes to achieve said task, goal, or dream to the best of my ability.

So far, I've made myself out to be some sort of super academic, which I am not by a long shot.  I have my fair share of limitations.  Though, if you really wanted to look at the glass half full, they could also be positives in certain situations.  I'm incredibly stubborn.  Once I have my opinion or belief about something, rarely do I change said opinion or belief, let alone admit when I do. I'm very outspoken.  My mom always taught me growing up that that's a good thing, that I need to stand up for what I believe, and I still believe that.  Even when my opinions differ from the majority or are controversial, I am not shy about admitting them.  This can be pretty rough for me sometimes, but it can also be a huge blessing.  One of my worst flaws though, is my defensiveness.  Even when I don't mean to be, I still sound like it I guess.  At least, that's what I'm told all the time.  I can feel myself even now starting to get defensive simply talking about the subject.  Though, at what point is being defensive an okay thing?  I suppose everyone needs to find their happy medium with everything.

I've come really far in my learning, I will admit, but I also will admit that I have a lot farther to go.  I don't think I will ever stop my learning experience.  Every day there are new things to learn, new people to meet, new shoes to walk in.  Life itself is a learning experience.  You can't live your life without learning.