Important Life Lessons We Learn with Age
We often let the little frustrations of
each day stop us from appreciating life in the present moment. But, as
we grow older, we learn to detach ourselves from the drama and the chaos
we once engaged in. As we age, we become more humble about life and are
less willing to spend our time on vain things. Now that I'm in my
fifties, here are some important life lessons that I have learned:
1. Day-to-day frustrations are inevitable: Very rarely do we have full control of all situations. And, as stressful
as it may be, what's bothering us so much today won't matter a month
from now. And, with age, we know this for certain.
Words of wisdom: Let go of the nonsense, stay positive, and move forward
with your life.
2. How perfect everything ought to be: There's a big difference between
reasonable striving and perfectionism. Perfectionism causes you
unnecessary stress and anxiety, created by the superficial need to get
it right. But getting lost in striving to achieve perfection prevents
you from getting anything worthwhile done.
Words of wisdom: Let go of the fantasies, and the perfect moments you've
made yourself believe.
3. The intricacies of what's in it for you:
With age, you learn that you keep nothing in this life until you give
it away first. This can be applied to knowledge, forgiveness, service,
love, tolerance, acceptance and so on. It's easy to forget that giving
opens us up to grace.
Words of wisdom: Give, in order to receive.
4. The pressure of acting immediately: While getting things done
hurriedly may seem better when we are younger, in time we come to
realize the importance of slow and steady work. In addition, we often
believe that the big things are what will make a difference but overlook
the fact that a simple smile can brighten somebody else's day.
Words of wisdom: You cannot plant a seed and expect it to become a
flower overnight.
5. Wanting expensive physical possessions:
Later in life, we learn to pay less attention to physical possessions
that used to seem so vital.
Words of wisdom: The things you really want cannot be bought.
6. Winning approval from others: The strength of your conviction is what
determines your level of personal success in the long run, not the
number of people who agree with the things you do.
Words of Wisdom: Follow the path that promises your heart genuine peace.
7. The selfish things others say and do: If we had to take everything
personally, we would be offended for the rest of our days. When you
detach yourself from other people's antics you feel free.
Words of wisdom: The way people treat you is their problem. How you
react is yours.
8. Judging others for their shortcomings: We all have days where we are
not our best. But the older we get, the more we come to realize how
vital it is to give others the break that they deserve, and hope that
they too will do the same on our own bad days. Truth be told, we never
really know what someone has been through, or what they're going through
today.
Words of wisdom: Be kind, generous, and respectful, then be on your way.
9. Blaming others: A happy person never
evades responsibility or blames and points fingers at others, making
excuses for their unsatisfying life. Happiness is a byproduct of your
own thinking, beliefs, attitudes, character, and behavior.
Words of wisdom: You alone are responsible for how your life will
unfold.
10. The shallow relationships that make you feel more popular: While
acquaintances are nice to have, and friendliness is a good quality,
dedicate your time to those that matter most.
Words of wisdom: Your time is limited. Sooner or later you want to be
around the few people who make you smile for the right reasons.
11. Distant future possibilities: As we age, it becomes inevitably clear
that we have more time behind us and less in front of us. As a result,
the distant future gradually has less value to us on a personal level.
The secret to happiness and peace is letting this moment be what it is,
instead of what you think it should be. Then make the best of it.
Words of wisdom: Some people wait all day for 5pm, all week for Friday,
all year for the holidays and all their lives for happiness. Don't allow
yourself to become one of these people.
12. Society's obsession with outer beauty: As we get older, what we look
like on the outside becomes less of an issue. The primary point of
interest lies on who we've become on the inside. Eventually, we come to
realize that beauty has almost nothing to do with looks.
Words of wisdom: Beauty lies in how we make others feel about themselves
and how we feel about ourselves.