11 answers
Naiela
Student
Springfield, Missouri
2
Questions
Asked
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How did becoming older affect your view of life?
#career #scholarship
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11 answers
Patrícia Landim
Marketing and Communications Manager
16
Answers
Lisbon, Portugal
Updated
Patrícia’s Answer
Hello,
Such an interesting question, definitely a conversation starter.
Speaking from myself, I'm 29 and I take my birthdays as milestones of life, where I do a retrospective of the past year. Every year I used to start by thinking "OK, I'm fully grown and an adult, I already have this thing called life and adulthood figured out", but than the year goes by and I learn so many new things.
As I get older, I definitely don't take for granted anything, I'm more mature and not as impulsive as I once were. I look more for people who have inspire me and I admire, people I can learn from, and try to keep them in my life.
This mindset I have as I get older, so far, seems to be valuable both in my personal and professional life.
Getting older is a bit of what life has to offer, it is not just an age factor, but it's you becoming wyser while navigating life in all aspects, with that comes the ability to make choices and with the clear goals you set, you can be on a journey to do and be exactly what you want to be.
Getting older doesn't affect anything in a negative way, it just gives you the tools to live your life, with a strong base, in every beautiful phase it has to give. :)
Such an interesting question, definitely a conversation starter.
Speaking from myself, I'm 29 and I take my birthdays as milestones of life, where I do a retrospective of the past year. Every year I used to start by thinking "OK, I'm fully grown and an adult, I already have this thing called life and adulthood figured out", but than the year goes by and I learn so many new things.
As I get older, I definitely don't take for granted anything, I'm more mature and not as impulsive as I once were. I look more for people who have inspire me and I admire, people I can learn from, and try to keep them in my life.
This mindset I have as I get older, so far, seems to be valuable both in my personal and professional life.
Getting older is a bit of what life has to offer, it is not just an age factor, but it's you becoming wyser while navigating life in all aspects, with that comes the ability to make choices and with the clear goals you set, you can be on a journey to do and be exactly what you want to be.
Getting older doesn't affect anything in a negative way, it just gives you the tools to live your life, with a strong base, in every beautiful phase it has to give. :)
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1750
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
John pretty much nailed this answer!
Fact is, until you've lived it, you can't truly understand it!
I will say this. Life is a LOT shorter than you think it is, and the older you get, the faster it passes. It's like you start out pushing a boulder up a hill, and then get to the top and let it go down the other side.
One thing I noticed, about myself and others, is that many people who were politically active in their youth put that aside when it comes time to start raising a family, chasing a career, etc. The lack of political involvement in my community of 20,000 is very disheartening. But, it's hard to make time for everything when you are trying to do so much else plus take care of yourself!
Another thing that changes is how you view the world around you. While I still believe that individuals are basically good, my view of government bureaucracies and most businesses is not so good.
Another thing that changed for me is my perception of issues in black and white. Things were either good or bad. But there are elements of good and bad in lots of situations, and now many things are a very complicated shade of gray!
I encourage you to live life to the fullest! Ask for help when you need it, don't hesitate to get a life coach, therapist, chiropractor, or whatever else it takes to help you through.
When it comes to politics and the world around you today, try not to be an extremist. Seek first to listen and at least try to understand, and try to think about how an acceptable solution can be found. I can't stress enough the importance of understanding not only WHAT others think, but WHY they think it. We really can all get along!
Fact is, until you've lived it, you can't truly understand it!
I will say this. Life is a LOT shorter than you think it is, and the older you get, the faster it passes. It's like you start out pushing a boulder up a hill, and then get to the top and let it go down the other side.
One thing I noticed, about myself and others, is that many people who were politically active in their youth put that aside when it comes time to start raising a family, chasing a career, etc. The lack of political involvement in my community of 20,000 is very disheartening. But, it's hard to make time for everything when you are trying to do so much else plus take care of yourself!
Another thing that changes is how you view the world around you. While I still believe that individuals are basically good, my view of government bureaucracies and most businesses is not so good.
Another thing that changed for me is my perception of issues in black and white. Things were either good or bad. But there are elements of good and bad in lots of situations, and now many things are a very complicated shade of gray!
I encourage you to live life to the fullest! Ask for help when you need it, don't hesitate to get a life coach, therapist, chiropractor, or whatever else it takes to help you through.
When it comes to politics and the world around you today, try not to be an extremist. Seek first to listen and at least try to understand, and try to think about how an acceptable solution can be found. I can't stress enough the importance of understanding not only WHAT others think, but WHY they think it. We really can all get along!
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1616
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Naiela throughout our lifetime, we pass through a variety of 'life stages': infancy, childhood, adolescence, early adulthood, mid-life and later retirement years. As we age, our lifestyle changes; friends, relationships and even the environment in which we live all may alter. Each of these changes contribute to shifts or modifications in our value system. In early adulthood, we are often focused on building our careers and finding our place in society. Demands for achievement, both professionally and personally, may well be substantial during this time frame. During the mid-life years, emphases on family often takes precedence as children age and are potentially having children of their own. We may be nearing or have reached our peak earning years professionally and are often shifting our focus on preservation rather than accumulation. We may find ourselves taking fewer risks during this life stage. As we get older, many of the things that we previously placed importance on become less important. Likewise, things that we did not recognize as important can take on greater relevance, becoming more important over time. The experiences we pass through influence our values, strengthening, weakening or modifying them. The friendships and relationships we establish and difficulties we encounter, all play their part in this process. Religious organizations, professional groups, and other organized shared institutions can increase the importance we place on particular values; sense of community, giving to others, shared connections.
I can remember a time when material things mattered so much more to me. When I was much more house proud. When I thought I needed the newest car. When I felt I had to keep up. Now that I'm in my retirement years, my focus has shifted to preservation, security, family and legacy planning. Today, my values have changed, I value things like sincerity, honesty, friendship, and the love of family, I value peace and serenity in my life. As we age I believe we settle into ourselves more. That we need less external stimuli.
Have you felt your values shift as you are getting older Naiela?
I can remember a time when material things mattered so much more to me. When I was much more house proud. When I thought I needed the newest car. When I felt I had to keep up. Now that I'm in my retirement years, my focus has shifted to preservation, security, family and legacy planning. Today, my values have changed, I value things like sincerity, honesty, friendship, and the love of family, I value peace and serenity in my life. As we age I believe we settle into ourselves more. That we need less external stimuli.
Have you felt your values shift as you are getting older Naiela?
Thank you Kim for your continued support. Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.
Doc Frick
Thank You Patrícia. How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.
Doc Frick
Thank You Sandra. “Volunteers are the only human beings on the face of the earth who reflect this nation’s compassion, unselfish caring, patience, and just plain loving one another.” – Erma Bombeck
Doc Frick
Susana Caballero
Regional Compliance Officer
4
Answers
Cooper City, Florida
Updated
Susana’s Answer
Hi Naiela,
As you go thru life, your priorities change. When you are in high school and college, your focus is on getting your education. When you graduate college and enter the work force, the priority changes to establishing your career and applying the skills you obtained in college. As you progress, you may get married and have a family. While your career usually continues to be important, raising your famliy then becomes more of a priority. The most important thing is to enjoy each stage in your life and be happy.
As you go thru life, your priorities change. When you are in high school and college, your focus is on getting your education. When you graduate college and enter the work force, the priority changes to establishing your career and applying the skills you obtained in college. As you progress, you may get married and have a family. While your career usually continues to be important, raising your famliy then becomes more of a priority. The most important thing is to enjoy each stage in your life and be happy.
Sandra Tichy
Operations Manager
32
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Sandra’s Answer
As we get older, we get more responsibilities, learn from our successes and our mistakes. We go through milestones (some good, some bad) that help us get a new perspective and value what matters (respective to you). As a result, your priorities values and opinions evolve. Experiences outside of milestones also help shape who you are (traveling, your job, current events).
Enjoy every moment and time of your life because I'm confident your thought processes and views will change. One thing to remember there is no such thing as a correct point of view (some may agree and disagree) and it's a matter of putting yourselves in their shoes.
Enjoy every moment and time of your life because I'm confident your thought processes and views will change. One thing to remember there is no such thing as a correct point of view (some may agree and disagree) and it's a matter of putting yourselves in their shoes.
Paul Morris
Sales Representative
11
Answers
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Hello Naiela
I am answering more out of the fact that I was intrigued by the others who responded! When I saw your question, which is very atypical of what is normally posted, I initially didn't have a response and after reading the other answers I must confess they gave me something to think about. I guess my short take-away is that no matter what age we are, we can always learn something new, see something in a different light no matter what stage we are in our life. One doesn't necessarily have to be "older" to have life experiences. learn as you go and grow!
Paul
I am answering more out of the fact that I was intrigued by the others who responded! When I saw your question, which is very atypical of what is normally posted, I initially didn't have a response and after reading the other answers I must confess they gave me something to think about. I guess my short take-away is that no matter what age we are, we can always learn something new, see something in a different light no matter what stage we are in our life. One doesn't necessarily have to be "older" to have life experiences. learn as you go and grow!
Paul
Eric Yager
Consultant
19
Answers
Canton, Michigan
Updated
Eric’s Answer
Naiela,
That's an excellent question. If you view aging as part of the journey, you see how it really reshapes your view of what leads to real happiness. Every stage of your life is different, and with the passage from one stage to another - child, teenager, college student, working adult, husband, father, son of aging parents, etc. - I find my priorities change, and I would have to say, they always change for the better.
When I was in grade school, my plan was to own a red Italian sport car and retire before 30! Needless to say life did not quite work out that way, but it has been more wonderful than I could have imagined at that time.
What I have found is that the older I get, the less I care about material things and the more I care about simple things like - faith, family, friends. Things that used to rattle me just don't. Can't really explain why. They just don't.
I'm 57 now. I have been married to the love of my life for nearly 30 years. I've helped both of my parents transition to their eternal lives with God. I've helped raise three amazing children in whom I am incredibly proud. I've made many good friends. I try to focus, especially during the turbulent times in which we now live, in just trying to be nice to everyone I encounter.
That does not mean your priorities - whatever they may be - are wrong. Just know they will change as you get older. Embrace that process. Live every stage of your life with energy and purpose, and never stop pushing yourself to grow.
All the best,
Eric
That's an excellent question. If you view aging as part of the journey, you see how it really reshapes your view of what leads to real happiness. Every stage of your life is different, and with the passage from one stage to another - child, teenager, college student, working adult, husband, father, son of aging parents, etc. - I find my priorities change, and I would have to say, they always change for the better.
When I was in grade school, my plan was to own a red Italian sport car and retire before 30! Needless to say life did not quite work out that way, but it has been more wonderful than I could have imagined at that time.
What I have found is that the older I get, the less I care about material things and the more I care about simple things like - faith, family, friends. Things that used to rattle me just don't. Can't really explain why. They just don't.
I'm 57 now. I have been married to the love of my life for nearly 30 years. I've helped both of my parents transition to their eternal lives with God. I've helped raise three amazing children in whom I am incredibly proud. I've made many good friends. I try to focus, especially during the turbulent times in which we now live, in just trying to be nice to everyone I encounter.
That does not mean your priorities - whatever they may be - are wrong. Just know they will change as you get older. Embrace that process. Live every stage of your life with energy and purpose, and never stop pushing yourself to grow.
All the best,
Eric
Jennifer Hoang
46
Answers
Germantown, Maryland
Updated
Jennifer’s Answer
Hi Naiela,
I can only speak from my experience as transitioning from a high school student to college student, but I would say that once you attend college, you realize how much of a world existed outside of your high school life. In high school, I knew the same people from when I was in kindergarten and now, I get to meet people from all around the world and country. It also made me realize that I wish I enjoyed more of my free time and social life in high school and took advantage of that time, to be more active and make myself healthier. While I'm happy with where I'm at now, I do wish I could give myself more time now to be healthier. Hope that helps!
I can only speak from my experience as transitioning from a high school student to college student, but I would say that once you attend college, you realize how much of a world existed outside of your high school life. In high school, I knew the same people from when I was in kindergarten and now, I get to meet people from all around the world and country. It also made me realize that I wish I enjoyed more of my free time and social life in high school and took advantage of that time, to be more active and make myself healthier. While I'm happy with where I'm at now, I do wish I could give myself more time now to be healthier. Hope that helps!
Chantell Aubut
AmeriCorps NCCC Member; Bureau of Land Mangement
6
Answers
Plymouth, New Hampshire
Updated
Chantell’s Answer
What a good question! Although I’m only 23 I have found my view on life to have changed immensely throughout the years. I was fortunate enough to grow up in a loving family with few financial struggles, and thinking health wise I was invincible. Once I went off to college and started living on my own and paying my own bills I realized how difficult life can be.
Throughout college and my post college life I’ve had so many experiences that made me realize life is so beautiful and precious, and it’s not to be taken for granted. I have found who I am suppose to be in this life, and my perspective is constantly evolving and changing. Im currently at the point in life where I live to simply love and experience new things.
Of course I have struggles, like everyone does, but I chose to not let it out weigh the good!
Throughout college and my post college life I’ve had so many experiences that made me realize life is so beautiful and precious, and it’s not to be taken for granted. I have found who I am suppose to be in this life, and my perspective is constantly evolving and changing. Im currently at the point in life where I live to simply love and experience new things.
Of course I have struggles, like everyone does, but I chose to not let it out weigh the good!
Terry Diggs
Retired
42
Answers
Columbia
Updated
Terry’s Answer
Hi Naiela,
This is a really good question. I'm going to speak from a my experiences. I am a lot older (in my 60's). Transitioning from all the phases throughout life. As a young adult I found it hard moving from high school into college and having more responsibilities on my own. I quit college and went into the military which grew me up really fast. I learned a lot in the military and to this day that part of life has stayed with me on how I approach many situations today.
I think the John has given a great answer to your question. As you mature you will learn and be able to make decisions that are good for yourself and your immediate surroundings.
Just keep your head up because there will be up and down times within your life.
This is a really good question. I'm going to speak from a my experiences. I am a lot older (in my 60's). Transitioning from all the phases throughout life. As a young adult I found it hard moving from high school into college and having more responsibilities on my own. I quit college and went into the military which grew me up really fast. I learned a lot in the military and to this day that part of life has stayed with me on how I approach many situations today.
I think the John has given a great answer to your question. As you mature you will learn and be able to make decisions that are good for yourself and your immediate surroundings.
Just keep your head up because there will be up and down times within your life.
Simeon Snow
Risk Assurance
1790
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Simeon’s Answer
Earlier on in life, I spent a lot of time learning how to help different types of people connect and get along with one another, but I have a more nuanced view these days. I think it's important to realize some of the limitations of personal chemistry between people. I still think that relationship and community building is important, but many pairings of people aren't natural matches for one another. In those situations, especially in team settings, it's important to keep the goals realistic in terms of how well the team will mesh. People have a way of pushing back when those natural limits are tested.