Learning Life's Lessons

For anyone needing to be inspired in these troubled, contentious and polarized times. Know that other times have been darker and somehow, someway, people found ways to pull through. Based on those historical examples as well as a few from recent events, "Tips" of core concepts for teaching others can help rekindle hope and possibility including ourselves. For teachers at all levels and across all disciplines, for instructors in colleges and universities, for leaders in business and organizations, in churches and communities--even for individuals wanting to see some promising possibilities for themselves--here are ideas for inspiring others--for neighbors and friends, family members here and afar, co-workers, professional contacts, government employees, elected officials as well as those who aspire to elected office, for Rotarians in service to others.

Teachers, in particular, must bring an upbeat attitude to their work if they hope to motivate students. Research has taught us a great deal about the importance of energy in the learning equation. It's infectious. If events that we all experience prove disheartening, those who rely on our energies may also become disheartened. Finding those ideas that have helped others get through difficult and dangerous challenges can help us navigate our own troubled times.

“I have no memory of not living in troubled times.  It is the norm, and yet difficult and troubled times can be a source of optimism.  For it is through diversity of thought and unsettled human activity that inspiration for change may be found.  Within these pages, you will find raw, yet thoroughly grounded stories that inspire and give hope.  Each of these 147 lessons comes from a lifetime of experience, both in theory and practice.  Each has been tested in the laboratory of human conflict.  Each has great value. Troubled times require concentration and focus on doing what is right.  Those who stay the course will succeed.”  – Bill Emslie, past Rotary Foundation District Governor and retired Captain from the U.S. Navy

“Learning life’s lessons is, as the subtitle promises, an inspirational guide for dealing with ad- versity in troubled times. Organized as a practical month-by-month guide, it draws on the ex- periences of many notable historical gures, athletes, politicians, scientists, who have faced challenges and triumphed, just as we might in our own lives. Hope and resilience do not come easily, but there are skills and strategies that can be learned and practiced. Notable is the em- phasis on peace as more than just the absence of war, but an achievement of ethical commitment and sustained focus.” - Allen Dyer, PhD & MD, author of several leading texts on medi- cal ethics and a consultant for communities around the world struggling with trauma.