I discovered 3 insights from elderly individuals | Keys to Fulfillment
From stories, I’ve seen.
Whatever I’m sharing here comes from the insights I’ve gained through the stories shared by some of the elders I’ve met
1)Self-awareness, self-improvement, or a philosophical mind to some extent.
What is Self-awareness :
It is to be aware of everything, your emotions, your thinking, your desires, motives. Recognizing your strengths and weaknesses, and how your actions will impact yourself and others.
What is Self-improvement:
To strive for enhanced self-awareness and to actively pursue actions aligned with your goals.
It is making conscious efforts to enhance various aspects of one’s life.
Why they are crucial:
It will help you in many ways:
- Just be aware of everything you have, and be grateful for them.
- To be aware that something isn’t satisfying you and change your path.
- To avoid thinking too much about what others think.
- To know how much money you need to be happy. (to not have greed take over your mind)
- To understand other people better.
- To not blame others all the time
- To accept some people the way they are.
- To not compare yourself to others.
- To work on your anger issues.
- To love to spend time with yourself.
- To enjoy the little things.
- To find some inner peace.
What made me put this point here :
Mr. X blamed the entire world for his circumstances. He told everyone that it was because of certain people that he was where he was, or else he could have done great things.
He continues to pursue wealth, even though he has enough and lives a comfortable life.
There’s nothing wrong with that, but I could tell by the way he talked about it that it was greed.
He compared his children with others.
He has anxiety problems but isn’t aware of it.
He is always stressed about money, kids, what others would think, maintaining his image and reputation, and if he hurt people by telling the truth.
After knowing about this person, I just felt this:
A little bit of self-awareness would have made his life so much better, he would be so much more peaceful, now that he is 68 years old.
At this point, one can’t even help him because he’s not willing to listen.
But you can’t blame him; he’s just different, a different person brought up in different circumstances.
2)An understanding life partner.
Now obviously, your partner, or anyone for that matter, won’t be that perfect person portrayed in movies.
But when it’s time, choose someone who is understanding, and who will not make you feel like you’re going to jail. You might think, why did I say that? Here’s why.
Why I put this here:
Mr. Y, who is almost 55 years old, regrets getting married. He feels every day that he would have been better off alone all his life. He doesn’t openly express this to anyone but often drops hints to his other loved ones that his partner doesn’t care for him. He stays with his wife because he chose to spend his life with her. He fears others’ opinions, so he always pretends to be happy, partly because it is his decision.
I can’t even imagine being there, what a life.
3)Health is the real wealth.
When we are young, health is not really on our priority list.
Why I put this point here:
I know of 2 people,
- One is 25 years old, who got involved in harmful substances and alcohol at 22 and is still struggling to get out of it.
- Second, is a person around 50 years old who has developed a serious illness due to tobacco consumption.
So when you’re young, prioritize your health.
One choice can make a difference.
Your future self will thank you for saying no to some things.
Don’t underestimate that 15–30 min of exercise daily. You never know how it will help you in the long run.
You should ask those who regret not giving those 15–30 minutes.
I have asked, I know how they feel.
Key takeaways:
1) Self-awareness, and self-improvement.
These will make your foundation strong. These will help inculcate some good habits in your routine.
Only telling yourself: “I’m on a self-improvement journey,” will motivate you to make some good decisions for your future self.
2) An understanding life partner.
As you’ll spend a significant portion of your life with them; they should be someone who can understand different perspectives.
3) Health is wealth.
Consider dedicating just 15–30 minutes a day to moving your body, perhaps through a little dance.
Let’s end with a quote :
“Cultivate self-awareness; it’s the compass that guides you to authenticity and fulfilment.” — Amy Leigh
