"To say that youth is happier than maturity, is like saying the view from the bottom of the tower is better than the view from the top." ( William Lyons Phelps)
People in many societies place great value on youth. As these people grow older, they may feel pressure to deny that they are aging and to look and act younger than their years. There is no harm in looking our best, but we should not succumb to any attitude that life is over after a certain age. As we reach middle age, we should be able to appreciate the fact that we are still progressing and these years can be as rewarding as other periods of life.
We should be happy that we have endured life's trials thus far and that we have gained wisdom through overcoming difficulties.
There are many rewards in these years.
We usually gain most of the skills necessary to meet the demands of daily living during youth and young adulthood. So, in the middle age, we are more able to focus our attention on other important matters. This can be the period when we finally have the time to apply our knowledge and experience in broadening our interests.
Quoting Phelps : "I know of no greater fallacy than the statement that youth is the happiest time of life."
As we advance in years we really grow happier, if we live intelligently. As we ascend the range of our view widens immensely ; the horizon is pushed further away. Finally as we reach the summit it is as if we have the world at our feet.
We gain this broader perspective as we incorporate truth into our lives through study even prayer and contemplation of our experiences. Job said: "With the ancient is wisdom, and in length of days understanding." As we gain insight through study and experience, we can exercise sound judgment.
The understanding and wisdom that occur in these days are rewards of immeasurable value. Solomon wrote : " Happy is the man/ woman that find wisdom, and they that get understanding." In our middle years, we may feel a deeper sense of peace and a keener sense of direction.
Individuals in this period of life are often influential in the affairs of government, business and industry. They add stability, knowledge and sound judgment to the organizations that they serve. Parents become more aware of problems that their teenagers are facing, such as distress, discouragement etc. They can organize programs and provide an environment for growth and support.
During these years, we may have fewer financial pressures and thus greater opportunities to help yourselves and others. Middle age offers increased opportunities for spiritual growth. During this time in life many individuals have their first personal touch with death when a parent or a close friend dies. This experience, though difficult, can bring into focus the purpose of life. We must be able to stand firm and endure our difficulties through faith or whatever works best for us.
There are adjustments and challenges during middle age as well as rewards. Parents who have raised a family and whose children are now independent may feel that the most rewarding phase of life is over. They may feel useless and bored. These feelings are normal, but they need not linger. They need to realize that the next phase of life can be as rewarding as any other phase. The challenge is to make the transition.
Parents at this time, can help their children become responsible, happy adults. Family discussions, working together and teaching by example help children to make good decisions. Spend time counseling them about studies, careers and marriage / relationships. Our responsibility as parents does not end when children become independent. As they leave home we should still be a good example and a safe place to them.
Middle age brings with it physical, emotional, social and spiritual rewards and changes. It is a time of adjustment and growth, of expanded self awareness. At this time we should increase our understanding and appreciation of how the Middle Years can contribute to our progression and make it an age as happy and rewarding as the other stages of our lives.
Sources : RS courses of Study, Excerpts from the Bible(KJV) , The art of living long. ( Richard L Evans), Pixabay.
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post muy inspirador, realmente me gusto, gracias por compartir
Thanks.
Thanks for the interesting topic.
Absolutely.
Keep up the good work
I'll try thanks.
Really good post bro...!
Thanks
Nice post brother.
Thanks.
it is difficult, but it is more beautiful if it is accompanied by loyalty, it is very useful for people who are in a challenge
True.
yes really true, if you have many times, you can visit my blog, i need you support and upvote from you
nice bro, pls vote back...
Thanks
The joy of youth and its beauty lies in their strength. Ecclesiastes 12:1 says So remember your creator while you are still young, before those dismal days and years come when you say. "I don't enjoy life".
But I totally agree with your exploration. I am just a youth who enjoyed been a youth. But truth be told, I lack the experience and the view of life is still very immature. Thanks
Thanks. Good insight. I think you'll make a good middle ager one day.
Thanks
Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment. Buddha
It's worth a try.
l'amour n'a pas d'age même quand on devient vieux
Thanks
de rien
Wow!
That's a great post dear @ruthofisrael
Keep it up:)
Thank you.
The most important thing is that you have someone you live. I always say that your kids and everyone else will leave you one day, only your significant other is there for the lifetime
You're right.
Age is a great experience. You should try to pass it on to their children. What would help them to avoid mistakes that made by their parents. That they were happier and more successful than their parents. God forbid that it were so.
I'm enjoying it. A load of my shoulders.
Great post and great read. Some really valid points! Speaking from a naive 20's something perspective I feel as though all stages of life present great challenges and obstacles. However the challenges for youth is finding ones 'why.' What do yo want to do with your life. This may change with time but not usually drastically unless some major paradigm shifts occur. At the same time the positive is there is so much time to achieve all of these goals.
From what I have seen, the challenge of reaching an elderly age is, those who do not chase their 'why' usually become pessimistic, bitter and regretful individuals. As opposed to those who have lived an enriching, meaningful and satisfying life of continuously improving oneself and learning. These people are perhaps some of the happiest individuals that I have ever encountered.
Excellent insight.
I accidentally upvoted my own post. #facepalm
Upvoting your own post is not bad. There is much approval to be found for this practice on this platform.
Haha! Awesome, thanks for the reassurance, have plenty to learn here. Only joined a week ago :)
Excellent insight.
As the Buddha said : "The problem is, we think we have time"
Ruth is my good wife.
Here is a poem I just wrote which touches on the crucial subject you raise, i.e. What to do with my life : https://steemit.com/poetry/@graviton/appointed-and-annointed
I hope you like it :)