Imaginary Career Ladies

Yes, I am working. Working very hard at editing my book! It's not as hard as writing--it's a whole lot easier to critique than to create! Perhaps there will be future dividends, but at the moment it feels a bit as though I'm 'playing' at working. And it's frustrating because after a long day I have to show only the same thing I began with...no new chapters or pages. So, in that sense, writing is a lot more satisfying than editing.
This edit by me should be done soon. I'm on page 93 of 119 Word pages, which I'm hoping and guessing should come out to significantly more than that in a book. It's not the final edit by any means, though, and I suspect the whole process will take forever...
I shouldn't complain, though. I'm still immensely grateful that Laura is going through, catching both subtle and ridiculous problems (hello...I cluelessly repeated a morning and served dessert before a meal!), and, unless I get uber-famous and can just hire others for this part, self-editing is part of an author's work. Right?

Meanwhile, it seems this year is Fiona's dance career year. Last year was her musical instruments year and the year before her taekwondo year, but now she is throwing herself into dance. She is in the Rhythm in Motion performance group, which will be performing in a variety of places. The group meets for extra practices on Saturdays, and she'll be learning an Israeli dance this Saturday. I'm excited for her!
Meanwhile, she's been cast as a Sugar Plum Fairy attendant for the professional Nutcracker performance at the Civic Center, and her teacher has also relayed that she may, along with a few other girls, be asked to be in a SCAD film this weekend (not actually for dance, I don't believe)... I suppose 40 years of teaching dance classes in Savannah has given Ms. Maxine time to form quite a few connections!

We'll see how it all goes...perhaps one day we'll cash in on all our work!

Pics from Jeff's graduation from Air Force Officer school

Gramps, Grammy, Jeff, Fiona, Michael, Alex, and Seresa

Jeff as 2nd Lieutenant

Fiona and Kasi at home

Alex in bunk on Air Force cargo plane

Michael and Fiona

Michael as Hercules!

Be Proud, Be Inspired

I'm a lucky person in so many ways, and I am so grateful for the innumerable blessings in my life. No, I'm not discrediting all the striving that goes into it...but I know that sheer fortune can change everything.

The common argument goes something like, "Well, while you are gifted at math, he is good at art," implying that it's all balanced in the end. However, I think it's really pretty obvious that some folks are born with fewer bits of 'luck' while others seem deluged with it. Even considering all the psychological factors that can contribute to this phenomenon, we can still clearly see that some folks 'have all the luck'.

That is the extreme case scenario, though. I suspect that noone reading this is in the extremely 'unlucky' category--you weren't born with horrible deformities, your brains function fairly well, etc., etc. As to the 'lucky' folks, well, everyone has their issues and problems.

When I was in fifth grade, I read Anne Frank: Diary of a Young Girl (Caveat: I don't believe I've looked at the book since then, so these are distant memories). When she wrote the diary, she was a very bright girl, just a little older than I was at the time. I believe that the first few entries or perhaps an introduction by someone else described the time before she went into hiding, and they mentioned her rather privileged life. I pieced together that she was quite well off and felt a little envious, but of course she still had problems even then that were very real to her (not to say that the later problems didn't totally displace any thought of the early ones, but I think that is how we function!). I had a bit of trouble feeling empathetic to her early problems, as I could only hear that she was playing tennis and going to fancy events in pretty dresses, etc., etc. Part of me did not even like the girl at first, out of my reactionary feeling that "it's not fair...". Later, however, Anne had to live in abominable conditions, and her beautiful spirit shone through. I was incredibly sympathetic, and I loved the girl. It was heartbreaking to read her story, with the tragic end, and I know that it prompted a realization in me of how wrong it had been of me to feel envious of her at first, for I wished, wished, wished that she could have that nice life back.

I rather wish everyone would take a moment to think of the luckiest people you know, and, instead of envying their great fortune and jumping to the conclusion, "I'd be so happy if only I had what they have...", try to put yourself in their shoes for just a moment and imagine the stressors in their lives--for they do exist.

Let's see...President Obama must be an incredibly stressed person, but many would term him extremely lucky, and a vast number probably do have great envy of his position. Meanwhile, he has his own worries about being present with his family enough, upcoming disputes with other foreign leaders, putting on a good face to the public... And who knows what unmet desires he still has? I suspect that averting the barbs of envious relatives and friends is one of the larger stressors on his plate, too. His life must be very challenging, and, even if he has one of the healthiest dispositions for dealing with stress, it must be sometimes difficult.

Of course, for the folks who were defeated by him in the elections and dreamed of becoming President, he's a 'lucky' guy, and they may have trouble feeling empathy for his troubles. I'm not saying their troubles aren't greater...perhaps they lost the election, have a sick child, are going bankrupt, etc., etc. But comparison of whose troubles are greater doesn't do anything for our mental health...unless we're trying to gain perspective on how small our own problems are by comparing them with the most 'unlucky' folks we know.

So, given that there are always folks who are unluckier than us (and, if you're able to read this, it's true!), should we try to 'shield' them by hiding our own achievements and great fortunes? Of course not! What can we do, then, to avert the envy and jealousy? I wish I could answer that.

The fact is that nearly all of us can think of folks we deem as 'lucky' or more fortunate in one respect or another. The beautiful thing is that it can work both ways, and much has to do with perspective. If we form friendships with the 'lucky' folks, we'll find that while there are some areas where those folks do excel and have much to be proud of, there are aspects of their lives that are quite difficult for them. Should we ask them to suppress their light until, like Anne Frank, their difficulties (including newer ones) overcome them? For we all die in the end...

I urge you to find inspiration in those who you might envy. Find empathy for troubles that may seem negligible in comparison to your own--or you might realize the troubles are simply different than your own, if you take a moment to think, and not negligible at all.

I've always wondered at that saying, "God won't give you more than you can handle." I always thought, "Well, I guess I can't handle a whole lot..." because I've always had issues with anxiety. It's all perspective, though. I've also heard that the British (many of my ancestors!) are at their best when they face true adversity...so maybe we can handle more than we know, but I don't really want to find out!

I suppose we can't change others' perspectives. We should show a certain amount of sensitivity, but we'll cripple ourselves if we're afraid to express our joys. Expressing our happiness is what makes us happy, in the end. Not to say that it's not therapeutic to vent, as I certainly believe in that, but we do need a balance, and we can just go mad if we don't revel in our joys when they arise.

So, be proud of your accomplishments and good fortunes. Try not to be affected by the envy or bitterness of others. Martha Stewart and Brittney Spears (yes, her!) both have my admiration for how they pulled through the muck of all the hatred borne of envy... I'm not saying that they're perfect, but I admire their ability to pull themselves together and not fall completely apart (though I suppose you could argue that Brittney did, for awhile--and completely understandably!).

Life is difficult. Focus on the good, and find inspiration and even vicarious pleasure through the joys and successes of your friends. And, most of all, shine your own light, too!

Fiona's gift of perspective

My little girl has dazzled me. She is only eight, but perhaps that's old enough for a lot!
Okay, so yesterday I 'wished' that my kids were more interested in creative writing, as they showed no interest in the writing contests and such at the library.
Last night, Fiona had to work on her summer reading project, which is due on Friday. One option was to write diary entries from a character in the book. Fiona misunderstood and wrote entries from different people, which I thought was even better, as it showed an understanding of different perspectives.
I asked her if I could share her second 'diary entry'. Here it is, with a few spelling and punctuation corrections only:

Dear Diary,
Hello, my name is Mr. Scary. My room is #1. One of my students has just got a loose tooth...
"Mr. Scary! Mr. Scary!"
"Junie B...I am doing my diary!"
"Oh, sorry!"
...as I was saying...that student has a loose tooth and thinks she is winning something...
"Mr. Scary! Mr. Scary!"
Ooh...Got to go, bye!

Anyhow, obviously this is not yet the work of a master, but I was blown away by her originality in throwing in the interruptions (her previous entry did not) and showing a certain ability to see things from the teacher's perspective. Oh, the teacher's name actually is Mr. Scary in the book!

So, maybe it's just ordinary maternal pride, but here you have it! I anticipate great things from my little girl! (And, of course, my completely amazing boy, too, but this was about her 'diary entry'!)

Back to the Books!

With the kids back in school, it's finally time for me to settle back down to my writing. I'd planned on writing my second novel (sequel) this fall, but, so far, I'm caught up in editing my first book with my wonderful friend, Laura. She has experience with this sort of thing, so I feel very fortunate to have her insights!
I attempted to edit for just a little while the other day while the kids were home, and it reminded me why I don't do that! It's completely unpleasant and frustrating! But that's alright...I simply need to remember these things!
What else? Well, Fiona auditioned for the Nutcracker performance by the Columbia City ballet troupe. We should find out in a couple of weeks whether she was cast or not. It was her first audition, but, unfortunately, they took the girls to a private room for the audition, so I can't say whether or not she did well. The whole process was rather exciting!
Alright, I could go on and on with mundane stuff, but I suppose I'd best get to work on my editing. Toodles!

Stupid Ole Truancy Policy

Well, school is finally in swing. The kids seem to love their teachers, have friends in their classrooms, and otherwise be adjusting well. I believe this is finally their first full week of school! Almost not, as they have sniffly noses...

That brings up the insane truancy policy of the school district (and maybe state?). No more than 5 days of unexcused absences are allowed. Meanwhile, they complain of kids coming to school sick. Then, I read an article in the paper this week (okay, NY Times, not the Savannah paper!) by a medical doctor who is discouraging giving children sick notes so they can miss school, as they're still not allowed to miss (and he didn't think the MDs should cater to folks who weren't blatantly, extremely ill). So, anyhow, my kids seem mostly fine, but they're blowing their noses and dealing with congestion--as are many of the kids in their classes, they say. I would keep them home, but they already missed 2 days for a trip, and I've got to be concerned about something major later in the year...

I don't think these administrators use a bit of common sense. Okay, yes, I get something like 20 or 30 days being unacceptable, but five is fairly incredible to me. I think perhaps it's ten with doctor's excuses, but, no, I'm not going to go to the doctor for a sniffly nose. That's ridiculous.

Yes, I'm protesting something more 'theoretical' than real. In truth, what happens (and I know this because we've missed in excess more than one year) is that a waiver has to be approved in the upper eschelons of the school--at least the principal, but maybe the board, too. They've never given us any hassle.

Anyhow, I didn't intend to write about that! It's just one of those chronic worrisome bits...and you're dealing with the same institution telling you opposite things...don't send your kids to school sick, but you'll be in huge trouble (your kid will have to repeat a grade and we may throw you in jail!) if they miss more than five days. And, to me, five days is almost nothing. I mean, how do I know they won't come done with some stomach bug in the last week of school? It's not like I can let them stay home except for the direst situations...

I do, of course, if it's extreme. Fever, vomiting, etc.... and I even keep them home at least a day after those things, but it's always a huge stressor, given the pressure of the truancy policy.

Whoever created that dictatorial truancy policy has an utter disregard for the comfort and well-being of the children and families the policy effects. Hmm...sounds like another political letter!

Oh, speaking of which, I am delighted to report that the buses have been delivering the kids home at a perfectly respectable time. They get here just over an hour after school lets out, so I'm not claiming speedy-quick, superhuman endeavors, just reasonable.

I can't say that it was definitely related, but another mother from a magnet school and I gave the school board the most hassle last year (and I did see it as primarily something I was doing for all the children, as I actually picked up my children most days!). The children were getting home over two hours past the school release time! That's insane! They weren't even being picked up for over an hour (it was planned that way!), and the children had to sit silently, in rows, on the cold, hard cafeteria floor while they waited for the buses. Unbelievable...

Of course, I did get on the local TV news and wrote letters to a lot of people, so they couldn't directly retaliate, but the board actually tried to take away the busing service for all the magnet schools for this school year! I can't say that it was unquestioningly because of me and the other magnet school mom, but I have my suspicions. I kept out of that one, though, and apparently it was an extremely unpopular plan, as we still have busing, and it's working!

At least, it's working for me. I'm going to stick my head in a hole and not play detective. I fear some other children are having to sit around waiting while my children get the primo service, which was not at all what I wanted, but maybe they are just doing better all-around this year, I hope. I have nothing to complain about with the bus service thus far and therefore wouldn't have a legitimate gripe, even if other kids were being mistreated. Somehow, folks only want to listen if you are being directly impacted!

So, let's see if I can put a meaningful spin on this! I suppose it would be that this is an example of a case where I became politically active and met with positive results. I can't know for sure that the results are as widespread as I hope, and I haven't received any letters of gratitude from anyone, and I did go through that disbelief when the board tried to pull the magnet bussing... but, from what I can see, my efforts seem to have effected some positive change.

If you're passionate about a political cause, then it may be worth it to pursue it, and persistently. There's no point in doing it half-ass, though of course at some point you may realize you've done all that you're willing to do. If you still believe in your cause, though, persistence seems to be critical.

To conclude, in the case of the truancy policy, I am so NOT taking that on. I'm just going to whine a bit in my blog to get it off my chest. Thanks for listening, and have a great day!

Don't Shoot the Messenger!

Gosh, we all just want to be told we're perfect, don't we? We can well up with satisfaction and joy when someone does just that, and it's a grand thing. How sweet they are, and it's so nice to be respected and appreciated for all our wonderful qualities.

So, is that what a good friend does? Do we bite our tongues and show only positivity? Hmm...perhaps. I suppose it depends on the level of friendship.

Folks generally don't want to hear about their typos and mistakes. If our goal is simply to be loved, perhaps that is the best way to go about it. Walking around praising everyone to the skies, and closing our eyes to all faults...it would work, wouldn't it? We'd be beloved!

Is that what is best for our friends, though? If I have spinach in my teeth and chat with my dear friend for an hour, go pick the kids up from school and greet 20 other folks, go to their after-school activities and smile brightly at 20 more, and then get home to look in the mirror and see that spinach right there...did my friend actually do me a favor? No, she didn't cause me the momentary embarrassment that I would have had if she'd told me, and I still think perhaps she somehow didn't notice...

Truly, though...a lot of folks simply don't identify or see problems. It's nice to just focus on the good, isn't it? And I do delight in having friends who are largely positive. In fact, I try to be positive quite a bit! Oh, stop laughing! :)

Anyhow, that's sort of a caveat before the point, as I do realize some folks simply don't tend to identify problems and naturally focus on the beautiful--a tendency I wouldn't mind picking up! Aside from that, though, I'd assert that not telling friends something that you believe would benefit or help them (physically, mentally, whatever!) is just plain old selfish. No, that doesn't make me the most popular person around, and I have to watch out for being 'preachy', but it's how I take care of my friends. There's a balance, though, that we need to achieve.

Truth is, though, that if you hold a critical piece of information that would help put a friend's puzzle together, but perhaps in a less than flattering or desirable way, your friend may turn on you. They may then associate you with the information, as though you are somehow the cause! (And while I may be somewhat intuitive, I do not hold supernatural powers. Give me a break! And would you really rather not know?)

In fact, recent articles and studies have proven that children do better and learn more when they are critiqued and tested in schools on a constant basis than when they receive constant praise and little testing. They may enjoy school #2 a bit more, but school #1 is better for them.

So, eat your vegetables, folks! We all love the desserts, but they're not really that good for us in the long term. That said, you can serve big hunks of raw veggies or prepare them carefully. It does make a big difference!

Political Corruption

Odd subject for me... though I don't feel like I can go into too many specifics. I have two folks who are quite close to me who have related recent, terribly blatant cases of political/police corruption in Georgia and South Carolina. Meanwhile, I just watched a true-story movie of long-ago police brutality and corruption in Los Angeles (Changeling), and Michael related an awful situation he had just heard on NPR about NYC police corruption.
Hearing direct accounts of the corruption, especially involving people I know, really does affect me. One such person has become involved in rather an activist role and has received a threat. Given that she has children and is acting on behalf of someone else (so can stay out of it), I rather wish she would just drop it for her own sake--and that of her children.
Practicality vs idealism... Of course, on a theoretical level, I sort of wish everyone would be an idealistic advocate for the victims of this system. I attend a church where most folks highly believe in our duty to protest human rights violations. I wholeheartedly applaud their attempts to help others in this way.
However, even in the very best case scenarios, the corruption is almost never resolved by simply pointing it out to the offenders. A struggle is involved, and the corrupted folks can turn on those who are defying them. Life is hard enough, and I hate to see folks I care about be sucked into that maelstrom.
Some folks are truly selfless heroes, though, who believe in and are willing to fight for true justice and the rights of the helpless.
Do I have a point? I suppose it's to say, "think first about what you're getting into". Then, if you are willing to take the risks and be the likely unappreciated hero, plan carefully to protect yourself and your loved ones (e.g., avoid direct, private confrontations; enlist media exposure of the whole situation especially if they can pinpoint you). Godspeed!

Mystical Moon Musings

Note: Skip if you are bored stiff by astrology woo-woo stuff! You've been warned!

Simple Applied Astrology from my own Perspective:

First, here's a great website: http://www.zodiacarts.com/Calendar.shtml

This astrological calendar is very handy. First, you can simply look at moon phases. Full moon and New moon are the big uh-oh's--when everything's at the strongest ebb and flow.

Then, get your astrological chart out. http://www.alabe.com/ will give a free astrological chart if you need one. Exact time of birth (often on birth certificate) is critical, especially for moon and ascendant signs. I never really look past Mars on the chart (think of planets being so far away as to have minimal effect!). The Ascendant, Moon, and Sun signs are the strongest, and their elements should be considered.

Fire: Aries, Leo, Sag
Water: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
Earth: Taurus, Virgo, Cap
Air: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius

Now, I've been watching the astrological calendar for a while, and at first I thought, "Ahoy! When the moon has my strongest signs, that should be the best time for me to show those attributes." I looked forward to Cancer and Pisces and Gemini, at first...

However, I believe I've learned my lesson. I should be locked up and fed sedatives when the moon is both New and in Cancer. Yep. The Pisces moon is next on the hit-list. Antidepressants on those days if the moon is full or new, please. Gemini, my sun sign, actually doesn't cause so much suffering, but I don't really think it's all that strong in my chart.

Now, this is all just my own observation and may be completely bogus. However, I've been observing my friends and family for signs, and they all tend to hit their loopiest or most depressed and even sickest around their own 'riskiest' times, according to my own unscientific observations!

What's the use of this? Well, when I'm utterly down and see it's a Pisces moon, I just bide my time and know I'll feel better later--it is a comfort. When Michael gets a bit 'off' on his riskier days, then I also take it with a grain of salt, even if he specifically attributes his mood to other causes. The kids actually seem less vulnerable than the adults, for some reason...I haven't quite figured that out yet. Some adult folks seem less vulnerable than others, too--perhaps they're just more innately stable, and of course there's a host of other influences, too--both astrological and personal.

I have just started to try to consider the moon phases in planning events, though it's never worked out yet. Just too many conflicts with getting everyone's schedules to work!

But why would it be this way? Well, my theory is that we're enough of our major signs on any given day. We're most balanced when a sign that we don't have is predominant. So, for me, Aries, Virgo, Sag, and Cap are great. I'm more orderly, productive, energetic, etc. during these, because I feel their effects and they help to balance me a bit. Leo and Taurus are generally fine, because they're not the strongest chart influences for me, whereas I have to be more careful with water and air signs.

Anyhow, these are just my own interpretations of things. Maybe there's nothing to it, and I've created a whole imaginary scenario, but I just thought I'd share. Look up your loved one's charts, and try to show some understanding and empathy when their worst traits arise during the confluence of vulnerable signs and strong moon tides (new or full)! When it's your own chart, then try to take your own reactions with a bit of objectivity!

Oh, there are some generalized interesting notes...careful of arguments around a Scorpio moon, as they can get wicked! Also, get stuff done during those productive Virgo and Capricorn signs.

Pitfalls? Don't read too much into it and create any! There are so many other influences in our lives, and even in the skies. Maybe just check it out and see what you think! And there's nothing to say you can't have a fabulous day when things look risky according to the moon...just be a little more careful, perhaps!

Facebook Page for Business

Today was one of those rare 'getter done' days for me, but that was mostly because of Michael, actually. My activities generally involve much careful planning, but Michael doesn't get so weighted down with details. He's quick to just tackle projects.

Anyhow, we were discussing marketing and the silly lack of a web presence for his business. Over the summer, he has gone to acupuncture full-time, so it's more important to keep business moving along than it ever has been. In discussing a web page this afternoon, we (not for the first time) brought up the idea of a Facebook Page for the business. This time, however, we sat down, and over a few hours had it roughly pulled together. Of course, it's minimal work, and all the blurbs were already written, pretty much. Just some editing and posting.

Anyhow, it's Lowcountry Natural Health Center, if you want to 'Like' us and receive practice updates. Who knows, maybe next we'll even take out an ad... but this is at least a step into the 21st century! So far, business is mostly word-of-mouth, but that becomes even easier if friends are supportive--in this case on Facebook. Yes, it's just one little thing, but Michael and I are about as far from marketing geniuses as they come! So yay for us!

Expanding the Mind

"One's mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions." - O.W. Holmes

"I am a part of all that I have met. I can no more remember the books I have read than the meals I have eaten, yet each is a part of all that I am." -unknown

The importance of education has been a topic on my mind lately. Not just formal education, but any activity which expands the mind.

While intelligence is to some degree genetic and innate, I am increasingly convinced of the importance of the mind-broadening aspects of education--the Nurture portion of the Nature vs Nurture equation.

Siddartha Guatama was raised in a privileged, educated state before becoming The Buddha. Jesus spent much time with the temple scholars when he was young. Ghandi was a well-educated lawyer. Nearly every great person that comes to mind had access to much learning and education. Even Moses, who freed his people from their condition of slavery, was brought up with a privileged education as a prince in the pharoah's home.

I sometimes question the importance of education. I question the value of reading books, especially when I can completely forget their contents on a conscious level. One of the most comforting things I've ever heard is the above quote about the books becoming a part of us. Since reading that quote, it has been on my mind, and I've noticed repeated examples of how the books have been absorbed into our minds and characters.

Fiona has been a key example for me. Of course, when she was much younger, she had a tendency to include long words that I knew were from the books she was listening to. That is a fairly simple, but great, example of how she absorbed the content without thinking about it too much. Nowadays, I don't tend to notice her language skills so much as her social dynamics. She spent time this summer listening to a series of books about a girl who moved and started at a new school. This past week, Fiona befriended a new girl at school with whom she hopes to be best friends at school. That's just one example, but the kids definitely seem to be more in tune with certain ideas that they have absorbed from the books that we listen to.

When Alex was younger, he seemed primarily interested in non-fiction. I was amazed at his interest in such 'dry' literature, but I thought it was great. In discussing it with someone (see...I forget who, but I've absorbed the idea!), the other person explained that the importance of fiction has to do with learning empathy for others. I've pondered this for awhile, and I have given Alex quite the exposure to fiction he would have never have read on his own, and I have to say that he is far more 'normal' and 'empathetic' now than he was when he was younger and more basic 'Nature'. I mean, he was always sweet, but he seemed inclined towards facts and away from people. He seems to understand people more and be less hypersensitive now. I've decided that whoever it was who told me that was right. He has gained empathy from the fiction he's read and listened to.

So, what is the value of fiction? Greater empathy, expanded vocabulary, and expansion of or exposure to ideas and concepts seem to be the answer.

My kids are not the only ones. There are a couple of adults in my association who have had delayed higher educations and have shown a new-found interest in reading. These folks, who I had already deemed a bit more 'limited' in their scope of ideas and opinions, have surprised me with their discussions and continually expanding vocabulary.

I suppose the point here is that I have been inclined to attribute much to 'Nature'. Genetics and perhaps mysterious astrological influences have received much credit from me, and I'm not disputing their importance here. However, observing the distinctive and remarkable influence of education on the folks around me has impressed me, especially in adults. We all have plastic minds. We can expand our concepts and continue to grow, even as we age.

When I say 'education', I refer primarily to what has engaged us. School that we regarded as boring, lists of facts that we didn't process and simply spit out for tests may have had some influence, but I'm referring to what has engaged and occupied our minds. The adults (especially) who have impressed me with their newfound philosophies and theories are folks who are engaged and interested in their readings and studies.

Fiona said yesterday, "I don't want to go to college!", seemingly out of the blue. I felt a momentary slight twinge of panic, though that's eons away, especially as I've been pondering the powerful effects of books and education on those around me. What I quickly realized, though, is that the important thing is that she continues to expand her mind. What if she chooses to travel extensively after high school? There are numerous occupations that are both educational and valuable. She's greatly interested in art, and she could pursue a very mind-broadening career in an artistic field.

Again, most Great people generally have had substantial educations. Most of our leaders and artists and thinkers have been well-educated, and, while Nature is important and we need a certain amount of aptitude, we have the choice to Nurture ourselves and our minds by continuing to expand them through books and further education that engages us. Physics, history, anthropology, and philosophy come to mind as areas that can particularly help to expand our minds, but, as discussed above, even fictional novels can help to develop our empathy and introduce new ideas.

There's so much more to discuss about this. The values and pitfalls of different subjects seem a vast and fascinating topic. For example, psychology can be helpful, of course, to identify and recognize tendencies, but there is a love of labeling and stereotyping that can be very damaging. Learning a bit about psychology, though, can be very helpful in understanding both ourselves and others.

Aside from academic studies, the choice of fiction also has a huge effect, as obviously a well-selected variety of quality books would be optimal.

Okay, then. I encourage everyone to continue to expand your minds. Read to and educate both yourselves and your families. We all have potential that we have not discovered or developed. It's never too late to grow our minds--and it's never too late for even stubborn, old folks! Best wishes for many mind-expanding adventures!