I put up these four mini-prints on my office wall. I found them before the break inside my old writer’s notebook. I remember having them, among a few others I must have in another notebook, as a representation of the seven years I spent living, learning, and growing across the ocean.
They are snapshots of people and moments I was surrounded by when I realized that learning was actually something that moved me, something I longed for, and something that brought me joy. Admitting that there’s always more I don’t know freed my mind. Now, I’m always hungry for more.
More to learn, more to grow, more to give.
Those people and those moments go beyond memories of my time in Egypt—they represent a time of grounding forever.
Start with a Story 
Thank you, Molly!
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Thank you, Kim! Travel is such a joyous way to learn 🤍
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Thank you, Leigh Anne!
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It’s all about giving back♥️
Thank you, Alice!
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Oh, Anita! I’m sorry you had to work with someone like that! Owning what we don’t know takes courage, but it can make us humble and open to receiving so much!
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Indeed! Thank you, Sharon!
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I agree! I make an effort to print photos often, including monthly photos books for Elena to see and revisit the “stories of the month” it’s precious!
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I’m so happy that you put these photos on your office wall. They’re now visibly integrated into your present living and learning! Like so many others, I also like, “More to learn, more to grow, more to give.”
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There are so many layers of living here in your slice. Your photographs just add to the depth of all the experiences and the inner pull toward learning and realizing that this is such a part of the essence of who you are. I love the “more to learn, more to grow, more to give” feeling, too. You are a lifelong learner, and your energy and passion are palpable. Makes me want to go on a learning adventure somewhere and discover new things.
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So many wonderful words in this slice, as the previous slicers have mentioned. What a wonderful experience for you–may you always stay hungry!
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“More to learn, more to grow, more to give.” What an great mantra. I find the sequence of your phrase to be important: I learn and grow and out of that growth, I give. Thanks for sharing.
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Ana, your powerful line, “Admitting that there’s always more I don’t know freed my mind, ” is the essence of a life ling learner and a deep thinker. I had an administrator, once, who told me HE knew everything there was to know about literacy and laughed at my continuing to read, study and take courses. He was sure he knew everything because HE had learned to read, I just shook my head!
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Oh, I live your ending:
“a time of grounding forever.”
Thanks for the powerful reminder about how learning and travel shape us forever.
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Now when photos are everywhere but not printed nearly as often, it is wonderful to revisit the actual image, to hold it and treasure it, symbols yet tangible, too. I love this reminder of the warmth and life a snapshot brings.
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Ana, like you I love to learn. I also moved to a new continent in my fifties. I am learning everyday and that makes me happy. This is a quote I will keep, “More to learn, more to grow, more to give.”
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