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Forum Name: Personal Growth
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Seking Intellectual Activity 
Carrie
posted May 15, 2008 5:59:35 PMTo All
When I was in college I used to read so much. now I feel like I spend my whole mind trying to be productive, but miss that stimulation that I would get. anyone have any tips for how to incorporate more intellectual activity into your life?
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Seking Intellectual Activity 
GranolaJoe
posted May 19, 2008 3:05:02 PMTo All
I felt the same way after graduating. The first few months after finishing my studies, I simply felt a complete brain drain. I wasn't getting the same intellectual stimulation and challenges that I had enjoyed for the majority of my life. Everything seemed to come to a standstill.

I am an individual who thrives in academic environments, and it's been a struggle for these past few years. At some point I do wish to return to school and earn my master's degree, but in the meantime what I try to do is focus on things I wanted to learn while I was in school, but never had time to.

If there is a certain discipline or calling that you had and weren't able to fulfill, challenge yourself to learn and apply yourself in it. Make time after work and make sure to read a chapter in a book, if even for just a few minutes, just to get back into that learning stride.

For me it has been web development -- I have a degree in journalism, but I always supported myself financially through work on the Web. Though it's tough to have energy after a long work day, I try to make as much time as possible to learn skills I didn't learn in the past (CSS, PHP, Ajax, etc).

It's definitely rewarding each time I learn something new
"We abuse land because we regard it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect." -Aldo Leopold
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Seking Intellectual Activity 
Cherre
posted May 21, 2008 10:31:48 AMTo All
A very simple thing that my fiance and I do is to download NPR podcasts we are most interested in, and listen while we clean the house or make dinner. It's a great, easy way to learn new things and spark your mind!
http://doesabodygood.blogspot.com
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Seking Intellectual Activity 
soapwood
posted Jun 18, 2008 9:11:05 AMTo Carrie

I can certainly relate to how you're feeling. I am a bookworm, when I have time, and I love knowing a little bit about everything. After college I felt really scattered because I had so much responsibility being a single mom after my divorce and couldn't get the "intellectual stimulation" anymore ( and still struggle with it!). I was literally craving the mind stimulation! I started getting books from the library on subjects that I'd always had an interest in, but didn't know anything about. I also sought out discussion groups that seemed of interest to me at the time. I still get in those modes where I need to read, read, read and learn about things and a few years ago I took some classes online. I'm the type that can sit up all night and talk about deep subjects. Depending on what you're interests are, maybe check into volunteering somewhere that deals with something you like or want to learn more about. I joined a poetry group once, a spiritual discussion and drumming group, a women's barber shop singing group, etc. If it didn't seem my thing after trying it, I moved on. I'm into feeding my soul more now than I am about spending my days doing things that don't make me happy. If my soul's not fed, I don't feel like I can really be there and positive for my family and I don't feel like I'm living a genuine life. It really took me looking internally at what my desires were that I maybe never really pursued because of everyday expected responsibilites. Best of luck!

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