Walk Your Way Well by Niamh O’Sheehan

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It's September. The small kids go back to school, the big teens start university and many grown ups embark on further adult education. This applies to my three kids and even to myself. This time of year always gets me thinking!

In August 2024 I completed the GR20 in Corsica. Said to be the most difficult hiking route in Europe, one might ask why? Well, I love learning. I was never one for conventional education. ADHD makes mainstream academic life uncomfortable.
Although I always managed to get good grades, there was no real sense of connection to the content. I much prefer the "school of life". And so I pursue learning through experiences, rather than focus purely on digesting literature.
As a life coach, I work with clients to chase dreams and achieve goals. And so, it makes sense that my professional development "studies" involve doing that for myself. I strongly encourage all my clients to push themselves outside their comfort zone to enable growth. Education comes in various guises. Facing difficulties and overcoming obstacles can build resilience, problem-solving skills, and a stronger sense of self.
In conjunction with mainstream education, hands-on, experiential learning through real-world challenges can make educational content more engaging and relevant. Students are able to apply what they've picked up, grounded in reality, in practical life situations.
There's nothing quite like breathing in the scent of flora rather than just look at it in 2D. You can't truly understand the impact of history, and the conflict of cultures, without meeting the people involved first hand. To swim in a corrie, climb a volcano, touch a glacier, get lost in a forest is how to make geography tangible.
The struggle and frustration that can come with challenging experiences may initially be disagreeable, but can ultimately lead to deeper learning and understanding. Persevering through difficulties reinforces key lessons. It allows us to foster essential skills beyond just academic knowledge.
The ideal approach often involves finding the right balance between using academic education to build a strong foundation, while complementing it with real-world learning experiences that offer a chance to explore interests and find your meaning and purpose.
I'm constantly doing courses so I don't suggest the "school of life" should completely replace formal education, but rather enhance and contextualise it.
If it's solely official credentials you're after then by all means embrace traditional education. If you want a more well-rounded schooling, then go sign up for a life challenge. Whether it be physical, emotional or mental. And, keep the books & YouTube videos on hand as a guide and reference.
If you're on the brink of something, but feel you need some clarity, then let's go for a walk 'n talk. I'm always happy to help people embark on an exciting or challenging new journey. Niamh @WalkYourWayWell - www.walkyourwaywell.com