What Do You Really Know?

~ humoringthegoddess

There are always so many thoughts tied to getting older. Besides the obvious ones of usefulness, energy, experience and discovery, are the suppositions of what you would do if you had gone a different way.

I don’t mean the maudlin ones like if you should have done “A” instead of “B”. You’ve chosen what you’ve chosen. Blah blah.

What I enjoy listening to are the career and emotional highs and lows of the next generation. How they’ve changed their world — and ours. How they do what they do. How they know what they know.

A family member is in management, something as far away from my career choices as Tibet. But I love listening to his stories. How he moves up the ladder, how he encourages those that work under him. How he works as a team member yet keeps his individuality.

I love another’s stories about how they work around and through setbacks. Illnesses, family crises, healthcare and paperwork. How they work with others to get them on their feet again. How to work with bureaucracy and the steps to keeping one aspect of one’s life while letting go of another.

These days I am more of an observer than a participant. I can take care of myself and help support those going through changes. But I can’t really guide someone else up the corporate ladder or through the intricacies of Medicaid.

I do love listening to those who can, though.

You probably know more than you admit. More than you think. And there is always someone out there who could use your encouragement. Your stories.

I don’t mean you have to give away free legal advice or pull strings to move someone ahead.

But sharing stories of how you worked through things or turned adversity into a positive experience encourages others to take charge of their lives too.

Many of us can’t see the forest for the trees.  All we need is for someone to show us the path. We can find the way around and out ourselves.

I enjoy listening to these people because there is heart with their brains. They know what they want and how to get there. And their stories include the emotional beliefs behind their logic.

I have lots of heart but not as much brains. Not in the pragmatic sense. But I do believe in offering guidance when and where I can.

You can’t take your knowledge with you. So why not share it now?

You will be amazed at those who enjoy listening to you.

Published by humoringthegoddess

I am a writer of fantasy fiction that often surrounds middle-aged women. I am a married mother of two and granny to three, a BoHo Chic kinda gal. I am recently retired and busier than when I worked 9-5. But writing and blogging is my main game.

25 thoughts on “What Do You Really Know?”

  1. I am always pleasantly jealous of those who made tight relationships with their grandparents. My husband was close to his grandparents; his eyes twinkle every time he talks about them. About what they did together. I might not have had the same blessings, but you are so right — every time I get together with my grandkids I make every effort to be the best granny I can be. To love them to pieces. Just like you and Aye Aye.

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  2. Not being a parent I do understand though. I wonder how you would feel if as I did at my darling Aye Aye(smy grandfather) funeral about 12 years ago. He and I had a special bond. We spoke every week on the phone.
    I spoke of what a stubborn old goat he was, there was a moment of silence (it was a huge funeral and a lot of the small towns dignitaries were there. Then there was laughter. I went on to share my love for him. Our relationship, a lot of what was not known bu my mother(his daughter)and my siblings. My memories of our time as adults together are the best ones. As he aged and became more relaxed and talkative. I get the feeling that you will be hearing stories and your grandchildren will be laughing in joy remembering you.

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  4. That must have been hard for you to not have your family interact with your parents especially your mum. I was so fortunate to have recollections of two of my maternal great grandma both sets of grandparents. So glad you are riding high!

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  5. I hope so too, my friend. My mom passed away when I was 27, and my dad in my late 50s. My kids never interacted much with him. I didn’t know my grandparents on either side. So I want to live long enough to see my youngest grandchild get married. Since that’s probably at least 25 years from now, I’m riding high!

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  6. oops. I hope you will be able to see your Grandchildren out working in the world. My granfather lived until I was in my 30s and I wass the youngets of his, his mother died when I was 19 or so I was driving my own car so it would have had to have been at least that old.

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  8. I love that the world is empowering so many people especially young and providing freedoms so many other s have not had in past. Yes self confidence is so important.

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  9. I, too, am thankful for those who encourage others to reach their potential. I never really had a mentor in my jobs. I had a few pretty good bosses, though, who appreciated my work, and others who gave me a chance to write when it wasn’t in my job description. Perhaps today’s children/adults are growing up with more self confidence than we had growing up. Believing in yourself makes all the difference in the world.

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  10. yes if we can we should be supportive, encouraging and sharing. I recall growing up and most (back then ) men did not really talk about what they did at work. They generally seemed to keep many things to themselves. I like that there is more supportive and caring work environments. With mentors. I also have heaps to learn from younger folk.

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