Dear Neighbor,

Knowledge is power.

This has been my mantra for the past several years.

Without knowledge and the power, ability, desire to learn, we will get left behind.

Quickly, easily, simply.

I refuse to let this happen to me. Or rather, I use it as a platform to make myself stand taller, shoulders back, because I have attained some simple information that assists me with day-to-day life, not only making my tasks easier, but allowing me the sense of accomplishment, the privilege to believe, and the wherewithal to succeed.

All because I took a moment to listen in order to learn something new, thus giving me knowledge, which provides me with power providing me with a sense of accomplishment which makes me believe in myself and my future and the lessons I have taught my kids…you get the idea.

Let me repeat:  knowledge is power.

For instance, several years ago when I first became an empty nester (pre-pandemic, because eventually everyone came home, but that’s a story for another day), I took some classes through Main Line Night School and Delaware County Community College. Initially enrolling and eventually attending were out of my comfort zone, but I pushed through because I was rediscovering myself and my interests. I was hungry for something inspiring in my life, so what better way to start than by taking classes? Brilliant!

What I found was a new thirst for knowledge and the capacity to learn again. I was inspired by the people around me and their ideas which led me to write after years of being dormant and eventually allowed me to gain the confidence to start my own lifestyle blog. But the real point is, it took trial and error and learning so many things along the way, including computer skills which I did not have at the time. My son patiently sat with me while we created my site, and as he walked me through each step, he insisted I physically finish the process so I would know how to complete the steps without him.

It was the best thing he could have done, telling me, “You know more than you think you do, Mom,” creating a sense of confidence and a shimmer of belief. If he believed in me, then so could I, taking over what was once an overwhelming task.

Knowledge IS power.

I have successfully been up and running on my own for several years. Thank you, dear son.

Learning something new and becoming empowered can also be simple. It turns a daunting, frightening task into something manageable because now you too can reset the cable box when it goes offline or upload pictures from your phone or computer.

The power also comes from believing you can do something you have never done before, attempting it, and succeeding, like putting a piece of furniture together you were brave enough to buy even though the directions say, “assembly required.” It’s a beautiful table, by the way.

While I may not be ready to learn a new language or how to play the piano, I am enjoying the knowledge – and confidence – I have gained recently. Believing – or not believing – that you can learn something new is a state of mind. We truly are never too old to gain the power behind knowledge; it is enlightening, cathartic, and attainable.

Go forth and learn, neighbors, because knowledge will always equal power.

Powerfully yours,

Jackie