The Power of Curiosity: A Guide to Lifelong Learning
Rethinking the “Dream Job” Mentality
Hey everyone, and welcome back to The Year I Became! If this is your first time here, let me introduce myself—my name’s Elijah, a self-taught film analyst, poet, and educator. The Year I Became is an annually rotating self-education project designed to empower readers, viewers, and listeners alike to explore new passions and live their dreams, one year at a time.
But what does that mean exactly?
Well, let’s break it down.
Rethinking the “Dream Job” Mentality
Like many of us, I grew up being asked, What do you want to be when you grow up? And like many kids, my answer changed every week. But as I got older, I started asking a different question:
Why do I have to be just one thing?
If life gives us 70, 80, or even 90 years, why should we limit ourselves to a single path? Instead of asking, What do I want to be?, I started asking, What do I want to do with my life?
That shift in perspective opened up a flood of new possibilities. Instead of being tied to one career or passion, I realized I could explore multiple fields, skills, and creative pursuits! Over the years, I’ve pursued everything from music production to fashion design, from luxury retail management to poetry, and now, film analysis.
This mindset is the foundation of The Year I Became. It’s about dedicating one year at a time and diving deep into a new interest, documenting the process, and sharing the journey with others.
The Intersection of Poetry and Lifelong Learning
When I first launched this newsletter, my focus was on The Year I Became a Poet, specifically exploring found poetry—a method that rearranges existing text into new creative expressions. Found poetry eliminates the fear of the blank page, offering a starting point for creativity.
That experience reinforced a core truth:
everything in life is interconnected.
Just as found poetry takes scattered words and shapes them into something meaningful, I’ve built my life by piecing together different skills and interests. Whether it’s poetry, film analysis, or creative leadership, each experience enriches the next.
A Decade of Self-Taught Skills
Over the past decade and a half, I’ve immersed myself in:
Music – Songwriting, piano, guitar, music production, sound engineering.
Design – Photography, videography, graphic/web design, fashion design, sewing.
Retail & Management – Leadership roles in fashion retail, luxury sales, and hospitality.
Writing & Film – Poetry, creative writing, and now, film analysis through the FILMS framework.
Each new skill has strengthened another. Learning photography improved my visual storytelling, which deepened my understanding of cinematography. Studying poetry enhanced my appreciation for layered storytelling in film. Exploring music composition helped me understand film scores and their emotional impact.
This is the essence of The Year I Became—embracing a multidisciplinary approach to learning and creativity.
The Year I Became, a Film Analyst
This year, I’m focusing on film analysis through my FILMS Framework, which breaks down movies into five key elements:
Foundations – Story, plot, genre, and thematic structure.
Imagery – Cinematography, framing, visual composition.
Layered Storytelling – Subplots, character arcs, and narrative complexity.
Motion – Direction, pacing, editing, sound design.
Subtext – Symbolism, deeper meaning, and social/cultural commentary.
Through this lens, I aim to not only enjoy films but analyze why they work (or don’t). This approach will shape my reviews, discussions, and creative projects moving forward.
Beyond Film: What’s Coming in 2025
In addition to film analysis, I’ll continue exploring:
Sewing & Fashion Design – Documenting my learning process and creative projects.
The 64 Arts & Sciences – A biweekly exploration of ancient skills inspired by the Kama Sutra’s list of creative and intellectual pursuits.
Poetry & Writing – Continuing to develop and publish my poetry collections.
Upcoming Content & Schedule
Here’s what you can expect in the coming weeks and months:
Weekly Content
Films for Your Consideration – A deep-dive film review and analysis.
A Film Program – A curated selection of films connected by a common theme.
Poetry Spotlight – A new poem and writing inspiration to get your own creative juices flowing.
Biweekly Features
Cinema Tunes – A playlist inspired by a film’s soundtrack or themes.
The 64 Arts & Sciences – An introduction to new creative skills.
Special Editions
Thrift Picks & Reel Reflections – Exploring physical media finds from my collecting journey, and tips on how you can build, or re-build, your own physical media library.
Sewing & Creative Projects – Updates on my handmade garments and designs, music, photography, and more!
Final Thoughts: A Life Without Limits
By the time I reach the end of my life, I want to look back knowing I left nothing unexplored.
No regrets. No "what-ifs." Just a lifetime of curiosity, creativity, and growth.
And I hope you’ll join me!
If you want to follow along with my poetry, film reviews, or creative projects, subscribe to Pen, Paper & Heart Legacy for poetry updates and The Year I Became for film analysis, and tools for lifelong learning and self-education.
See you soon with our first deep dive of the year—The Last Samurai.
Until next time, stay curious, stay creative, stay poetic and keep exploring.
~ E. A. Bland
