Why I Study

I was thinking in the shower about why I love to study and came up with quite a list. I hope this is taken in the spirit that it is intended. Many of these won't apply to others. I want everyone to choose how to live their lives and am not saying you should be like me. Further, I strive to live and share with others in a guilt-free environment. Though I struggle with it, I don't believe in comparing to others or feeling guilty. That said, I am grateful for the things I have learned about studying and would love to inspire others to choose including study in their lives.

1. Liberty. I believe that well educated people, particularly those who keep learning after schooling, promote liberty. Even stay-at-home moms with very small children who don't get out much. I believe in liberty.

2. Mission. I believe that God sent me to Earth with special gifts and talents and interests to use to bless others. I believe He has specific things He wants me to do on earth. I believe as I study and improve myself, I prepare myself to do whatever He asks of me.

3. Desperation. I have struggled with anxiety for many years and almost 7 years ago added children to my life. There is much I could focus on that is difficult. Studying helps me improve myself, learn what to do to make things better, and changes the way I think to healthier patterns. This is so valuable for me.

4. Mental Energy Stimulation. Studying stimulates my brain. I recently read about the need to exercise and to rejuvenate in four areas of our lives regularly - mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual. Studying is mental exercise. Good for my mind.

5. Interesting and Fun. I inherently like to read and learn. What a blessing that is! Though study is work, I often enjoy it and feel motivated to do it.

6. Inspire my Children. As a homeschooling mom, I have great desire for my children and the quality of their education. One tenet I hold to is that it is better to inspire children than to require them to learn, to do things, etc. I very much want my children to learn many wonderful things. Even more than that, I want them to love learning. I believe the best way to do that is to show them that I love learning.

7. Share what I learn with others. I find great meaning in sharing things I have learned with others hoping that it will bless their lives as well.