“You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.”
OR
“You’re never too old to learn.”
Which idiom you subscribe to probably depends on what kind of dog you are… and possibly how old of a dog you are. I rarely use the canine species to make a point, but as I sit here at the ripe old age of ≥ 35 ≤ 65 (that equation is for my ≥ 15 ≤ 30‑year‑old daughter who occasionally reads my blog and thinks I’ve forgotten how to compute basic math), I’ve had one of those Oprah‑approved “Ah ha moments.”
I am a horrible speller. That’s right, folks. A writer who has depended for years on the much‑appreciated availability of spellchecker (yes, that’s one word, as is legwarmers, for those still in denial). Why am I a horrible speller? I truly can’t say. It’s not for lack of a good education, yet I struggle with certain words — words that follow simple rules I seem to have forgotten.
For example: did you know the only word in the English language that actually ends with “full” is full? Every other word (careful, wonderful, plentiful, skillful…) ends with “ful.” One of those tiny rules that should live in the front of one’s mind rather than the dusty back corner.
“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” — C.S. Lewis
So, this not‑too‑old dog is choosing one new “rule” this month — maybe a spelling rule, maybe a grammar rule, maybe finally figuring out what a predicate is (that’s a joke, people). And later this month, I’ll do a follow‑up post highlighting everything I learn, dedicated to the one and only Jane Straus, author of The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation — a resource everyone should have on their desktop, writer or not.
“Irregular verbs require old‑fashioned memorization — there are no secret formulas or shortcuts.” — Jane Straus
Just something to think about… and maybe a reminder that some of the most underrated life skills are the ones we assume we already mastered.
Cover image from Pexels’ free library.
If this spoke to you, be sure to “like” and share it over social with someone who’d appreciate the flavor …
DISCLAIMER: These are my personal experiences and opinions. Nothing here is medical, nutritional, or therapeutic advice. Also, I’m a writer and an editor. And I try my best to make sure every post is articulate and free from errors. However, being that I edit my own work—and it’s next to impossible to properly edit your own work—I admit, occasionally there may be an error or two I miss. But doing so doesn’t make me an idiot so don’t be mean. Just smile, pat yourself on the back for finding an error and be glad you’re not the only one who makes mistakes sometimes … xoxox
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