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Amongst other things, this is a love story.... the theme changes occasionally... this year it is fitness and learning to love yourself.

12 April 2013

K is for Knowledge. A-Z word Challenge. Healing with words. Day 11

knowledge |ˈnälij|
nounfacts, information, and skills acquired by a person through experience or education; ... true, justified belief; certain understanding, as opposed to opinion.awareness or familiarity gained by experience of a fact or situation

A butterfly breeder once told a story about watching his very first butterfly emerge. It took so long he thought it was stuck. He snipped both sides of the chrysalis to help free it and when the butterfly hatched but it was unable to fly, and died on landing.

In his pursuit to understand what had happened, he learnt that the struggle to get out of the cocoon is necessary to build strength in a butterflies wings. He also learned a valuable lesson and went on to write highly acclaimed self help books that changed a lot of people and he successfully bred many more beautiful butterflies.  (If you know the author or the book let me know, I can only remember the story)

With experience and knowledge we begin to understand why we do the things we do and we stop repeating the same mistakes. Knowledge makes it easier to change and grow from what we have learned.  It takes time to acquire vast knowledge and their are constant cycles. Learn from butterfly, which stage of a learning cycle are you in. Is it the larvae (birth of an idea), caterpillar (acquiring knowledge), cocoon (absorbing knowledge), or butterfly (metamorphosis) stage in your quest for knowledge?   - 

Educate yourself.  Research anything that attracts your attention, even if you don't think it will lead anywhere, it will always lead somewhere. No-one can take away what you know. The more you know the more you realise there is to learn, with learning comes growing and with growing comes... whatever it is YOU hope to achieve.

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My thirst for knowledge led me to a woman named Ruth Howard, she wrote a magnificent poem called  GROWING by Ruth Howard in my humble opinion it is a masterpiece. She wished for it to be shared, particularly with young people. Which is why she gave me permission to share it, many years ago.  I encourage you to learn from it, use the link and share it too.

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Find out how I chose my theme by reading my intro blog A-Z challenge list. Words of change.  You are welcome to add more words to the list in the comments - and then I'll link back to you.





45 comments :

  1. Thanks for sharing more today. Knowledge is so important and i do love that poem Growing!

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    1. I still surprised you found it when you did, I can't get my head around wordpress or blogher, they are so much harder to post on than Blogger... When the challenge is over I will repost the poem on a post here, I just didn't want to get out of order, or make this post tooooo long..

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  2. One of the best inspirational posts I've come across! Beautiful analogy and wonderful story!
    Cheers!
    Sam

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    1. Thanks writerlysam, I am glad you found the story and the story found you ;)

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  3. "Research anything that attracts your attention, even if you don't think it will lead anywhere, it will always lead somewhere. No-one can take away what you know. The more you know the more you realise there is to learn..."

    Great post, Ida. I agree--learning is so key, and curiosity to learn seems more important yet.

    How about that butterfly story? Awesome!

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    1. Thanks so much Sherilee, I could get used to seeing other people quote the thoughts/words that I share. That butterfly story really opened my eyes, and taught me to detach, from rescuing others and/or hoping someone would rescue me - Good stories are easy to remember.

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  4. Empathy is truly the best gift we can give each other...taking away adversity doesn't allow them or us to learn. Adversity makes us stronger. Love the poem!
    Thanks for the visit! I always like to see your name in comments. Had to put up an addendum Im afraid...K may be for OOPS where I come from!

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    1. Dear Zoe, I don't know if it's just a fascination with human failings but I'm clicking your name now to see what you came up with for your K addendum because your K' Od was pretty funny.

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  5. I've heard the butterfly story before but I don't remember the author of those books.

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    1. Same, but the story has never left me, If a story becomes a part of who you are, does that story also become your story? I like to think good stories last forever regardless of who first wrote them, but I would love to give credit if someone knows or remembers.

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  6. This is very inspirational. I hadn't heard that butterfly story before; it makes a lot of sense. I enjoyed this.

    Thanks for stopping by my blog this morning. ☺

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    1. I'm glad I shared it, I try to keep things positive here :)

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  7. Thanks for sharing this poem and your post was such a gentle, wise reminder not to ever stop growing in this world.

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    1. Melch I don't really know what to say except your Kingfisher story is still making me laugh, and I like that word gentle. Thanks.

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  8. My thirst for knowledge, lead me to the site of google, determined to find this mystery writer.
    Sadly I didnt find what I was looking for but the story is wonderful.
    -You will not grow old until you stop learning.

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    1. Also, the poem by Ruth Howard is amazing.
      Filled with true words and thoughts that we have all shared.
      It is the time to step up and be who you always have been, even though you have been hiding.... the light from inside of you will always guide your way

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    2. I am sure I will come across the book one day - That poem is a gem. Even when I'm all wrinkly old I want to keep learning... :)

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  9. I completely love this post. I haven't heard the butterfly story before and it is so appropriate for describing how the search for knowledge is just as important as having the knowledge in the end.

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    1. Thanks Colleen, we are in constant cycle, the important thing is to keep seeking knowledge.

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    1. and it ain't no keech key... Anyone reading this will have to read your K post to understand that reply :)

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  11. Love this post and that poem by Ruth is just Awesome. :)

    Cheers. :)

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    1. Both stories had to be told again, I'm happy you loved it :)

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  12. Hello human,

    Well said and most thoughtfully articulate. Knowledge is something I seek and my human seeks. I believe that when you stop learning, you stop living. Be well and smile, my human friend, Ida.

    Pawsitive wishes,

    Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet superstar! :)

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    1. Dear Penny if my dog was still here he would lick your face

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  13. I have heard that story about the butterfly needing to break out of its cocoon in its own time.

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    1. If you remember from where, please come back and tell us - I hope I did it justice :)

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    2. I think it was in a sermon, but it's quite a common story.

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    3. That would have been a sermon I could have enjoyed

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  14. Beautiful analogy! I enjoyed your post immensely.

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    1. Thanks for commenting Vashti Q-Vega. I'm so pleased you enjoyed it.

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  15. Thanks for stopping by my blog. This is such a wise, profound entry! The poem is wonderful. I'll have to pass it on to some of my friends.

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    1. Thanks Lillian, my first copy was printed on paper... does anyone use that anymore?? I'm glad you liked it.

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  16. I love the story of the butterfly breeder. Too often we try to help others, especially children, along without letting them do it for themselves. It stunts their personal growth, like breaking open the chrysalis leaves the butterfly underdeveloped. Sometimes we just have to remember that helping isn't really helping.

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    1. I often hear stories of the olden days when young boys were working farms at the age of 10 some as young as 7... these days your hard pressed to find a 12 year old that makes their own lunch to take to school.

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  17. Lovely story, Ida. I, too, flitted off to Google to see what I could find about its origin. Looks like this is an extremely popular story for many people. The moral of it is appropriate to every one of us. As a parent, I know that the knowledge my child gains through (painful) experience is going to be more valuable to him/her than that which I try to impart through my own life experience.

    #AtoZChallenge

    SiouxsiesMusings

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    1. Thanks for trying, I have tried many times. Of course the raising children comparison is great but for people who don't have kids it reminds me a lot of the quote 'it's always darkest just before the dawn" Thanks for stopping by and sharing your wisdom

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  18. What a fantastic post, Ida. But I confess--I'm still reeling from your story at the top of the page!! What a beautiful, beautiful love story! :-) Thanks for sharing and inspiring...

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    1. The Captain will be pleased to hear that, he was wondering why nobody mentioned 'The Love Story" in the last few days :D I'm glad you feel inspired.

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  19. Butterfly murderer! Eek! Only kidding.
    I have a frightening attraction to serial killer, true crime and medical mystery shows; I'm fascinated and learn so much. What I'll do with this knowledge, I have no idea. But maybe it'll come in handy some day. :-)

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    1. Ha I know right - but at least he learned from his mistakes!!! I like those types of shows too especially medical mysteries - I'm sure your books are richer because of your morbid fascinations :) I know I'd prefer you watched or read than did hands on experiments.. eek!

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  20. I guess we were on the same wavelength today. Good post!

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    1. I loved your knowing post... anyone that can play music has powers beyond my scope. Thanks for visiting

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  21. Ida I like your knowledge entry better than mine. Inspiring. Thanks

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    1. We have the same message just different methods. Your's was detailed and informative. I loved it. Thanks

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Enjoy