Maybe it comes with time (middle age), or maybe it's something else. I just know I pretty much embraced the idea that I will probably always be misunderstood in some way to all kinds of people.
Maybe that is human nature, to not understand anything outside of our own worldview until something crashes that worldview. It's too bad really that it might take that to be open to new ideas or actual truth even, but it probably will.
Again, I think time helps to overcome those kinds of obstacles. We can insulate ourselves for a long time, but eventually small things get through the seep holes and the next thing you know, we're considering things we might have even dreamed of doing before. The opposite is also true. We wouldn't dream of doing things we've done in the past. I've been experiencing both at the same time!
Stephen Covey is a great person to quote, and the quote is one of his best. Thanks for this.
I agree, time and experience will help prove that we will always be misunderstood on some level, and we become more accustomed to it. It really sucks that it sometimes takes years for realizations like this. I think focusing on self- awareness and your own path is key in not getting hung up on what others' perspectives are. Thank you for your comment :)