Life Theory - Everyone is a Teacher

I have never met someone from whom I learned nothing. I genuinely believe that and here is why.

Life is like a never ending series of lessons. Every day presents numerous opportunities to learn something new.

And, if u think about it, just about everyone has something they can teach us. That is, only if we are open enough to take note.

Teachers need not be those who instruct us in a school setting; they need not be our superiors in the workplace; they need not be our elders; they need not be those more educated than us; and they need not be the wise. Sure, they may well be any one of those things, but needn't necessarily be.

We can learn from anyone we come across. Words need not be spoken, gestures need not be exchanged, and the moment of impact may only be fleeting.

As I write this blog a woman has sat down beside on my commute home. She is agitated, anxious, sniffling perpetually, and is playing what looks like a crack pipe. I am uncomfortable as her eratic motions and frustrated sighs leave me wondering if she might fall, or more precisely, collapse on top of me. But, if I can move past my immediate unease, and take a step back, I see a person who is very clearly frustrated by her current state of affairs. What those are, I will never know as we did not exchange words. No matter, I have been left with a lesson nonetheless. The experience hasI left me to review my lot in life, and with a renewed appreciation I might add. Believe me, I have my annoyances, and can find things to sulk about, but I would suggest that they pale in comparison to those of the person I just encountered.

Such is the nature of the more impactful lessons we can learn - they often teach us a bit about ourselves or the situations in which we find ourselves.

One of my favourite types of teachers are cab drivers. Yes, cab drivers. For some reason, most of us see it perfectly resonable to hop in a cab, sit quietly as we are driven to our destination, pay the cabbie, and then jump out of the cab, almost as though we didn't just share a car ride with another person. Next time, why not spark up a convo? Depending on the city, the cabbie likely speaks at least one other language, may be very well educated, and is often trying to make his/her way in a new country. Talking to cabbies can also give u a flavour for the city u visiting. Las Vegas is a great place to take a cab ride. I have met many a colourful card in Vegas. If u can't pick up a thing or two about life from a cab driver, you might wanna check your pulse.

Another great source of life insight is young kids. They generally speak their mind with a refreshing frankness that most adults have long abandoned in favour of protecting their pride and/or being super sensitive to the feelings of others. Simply put, children lack the filters that the rest of us have built in over time. They ask questions that get to the heart of the issue in no time. Next time you have the chance, sit down and ask a child what they think about this or that -- you might be very impressed with your answers!

These have been but a few examples of the types of people that can teach us as we step through life, but keep in mind that everyone you know can give you insight into life.

That is my Two Cents for this day.