Literary Life #5

The Joy of Learning

Hello friends,

This week, I’ve been doing a bit of thinking on what it means to have identify as a learner

Looking back to my early days, especially fresh out of college, I remember feeling so much pressure to know everything right out of the gate. I worried that if I didn’t have all the answers, people would think I wasn’t good enough, that I didn’t belong. And I think a lot of us have been there—feeling that we need to know it all, right now, or else we’re not measuring up.

But one of the beautiful gifts of experience is learning that we don’t have to the keeper of all knowledge. And that shift, from feeling like you need to know everything to embracing a genuine, heart-filled desire to learn, has made such a difference for me.

It’s this little twist in mindset that’s incredibly freeing: rather than feeling insecure about what I don’t know, I feel excited about the endless things I get to discover. And there is soooo much to discover out there!

When I was starting The Literary Assistant, I remember googling constantly. Every question, every little techy thing that stumped me, no matter how small, I searched it. I didn’t give myself permission to accept that I didn’t know how.

Learning so many new things felt like opening a door to something new and exciting. And sometimes, all it takes is a quick ten-second search to uncover a whole area where you can build knowledge, I’m living proof that little by little learning add up.

Before you know it, you’ve developed education that’s all your own. Uniquely yours.

There’s something powerful about giving yourself permission to be a lifelong learner. It opens you up to so much possibility. So if you’re feeling down or frustrated, I encourage you to embrace this spirit of learning.

Say it with me… “I’m going to let go of the expectation to know it all.”

It’s unrealistic and, honestly, a hurtful to your mental health!

The journey of learning—of discovery—is where the magic happens. So stay curious, keep learning, and above all, enjoy the ride.

Because life isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about finding joy in the journey.

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Well, you know I can’t end without giving a few book recommendations.

Three books you might want to check out this week…

I’ve been sick this week and the Vancouver Storm series by Stephanie Archer has been my guilty pleasure every night. If you love witty banter and steamy romance with low angst - this is for you!

If you are a fan of Elizabeth Gaskell’s North and South, this is a great variation to enjoy. I grabbed it in Kindle Unlimited and read it in just a few days.

If you somehow haven’t read The Mystery of Mrs. Christie yet, do yourself a favor and read it. Seriously, this book is so good! We read it for our book club pick over at the Jane Austen Literacy Foundation this month and it was a big hit.

What have you been reading and loving lately? Please let me know. Nothing makes me happier than talking books!

Happy reading,
Melissa