BT: Life Syllabus

Leena Norms and Rowan Ellis posted a video about creating a life syllabus. In it, they discuss lessons that they wish they’d learned in the school of life.

So, I thought I’d create my own life syllabus. I used to be a teacher (albeit a very crappy one. It’s complicated). But, I think this post could serve as an introduction to things I value. Of course, the post is more of a reflection on what matters to me, and not necessarily to everyone else.

Take it all with a grain of salt.

Self-Directed Study

Book –

Fangirl–Rainbow Rowell (to learn about creativity, mental health, education, and relationships) + Furthermore by Tahereh Mafi (also see: identity, bravery, word play, and relationships). There are the obvious ones, Harry Potter series, Chronicles of Narnia, and Lord of the Rings.  Anything by William Shakespeare is worth checking out.

Film –

Swiss Army Man, Ruby Sparks, What If, Inside Llewyn Davis, Little Miss Sunshine, Amelie, 500 Days of Summer 

Documentary –

Supersize Me (I know. How old school of me!), Forks over Knives, Earthlings 

TV Series –

Community. 

YouTube Channel –

The School of Life,   Rosianna Halse Rojas, and It’s Radish Time  Rowan Ellis   and Leena Norms …Obviously, John and Hank Green’s channel is great. I have more, but I’ll contain my enthusiasm.

Misc

“Ode to My Bitch Face”  ,   “Recovering from Failure,”   (Actually, the whole Talking in Circles by Laura Miller is a wonderful series).

Course Work – experiences to have

1. Failure
2. Fostering new skills and interests
3. Therapy for the first time.
4. Meditation
5. Deep and frank conversations
6. Writing your through a prompt or a question/written meditation/epiphanies/revelations
7. Regular self care rituals

Exam – brace yourself for a situation

Friends moving on or drifting apart, interests changing, questioning social norms in regards to ideologies, beauty, health, identity, relationships, beliefs, self worth, and sexuality.