How has your perspective changed as you’ve gotten older?

Question

I think I have gained perspective on a number of things. The first is definitely the importance of not stressing. Stress just makes it worse and harder to get the work done. You can do the same amount of work with less effort and do a better job if you can reduce your anxiety level. Do what you have to do, meet your deadlines and forget about it.

Something else I wish I had known is the importance of truly experiencing life. I have met many people that have told me that they regret not having done this or that. However, I have never met anyone that regretted that they did do something. In other words: people regret what they did not do, more than they regret what they did do. So my theory is: experience life. Never miss out on an opportunity to meet new people, see new places, or have new experiences. Chances are you will not regret it!

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Answer 1

I have learned that in life you have to take chances. I went through a hard time when my husband was injured in Iraq, and
with the injury it bought about lots of changes. By being open minded and willing to listen I was able to help lots of soldiers and my husband secure benefits.

I learned that by opening my heart and my mind and allowing people to come in, I was able to grow as a person and as a wife. Strength pulled in from those that shared their lives with me and were willing to reach out with love and support, truly made a difference in who I have become.

I have learned that it doesn't matter what you accomplish in life, if you are not happy and content with yourself, you have accomplished nothing.

I have learned that by remaining true to yourself and being genuine that you can move mountains and truly turn things in a wonderful new beginnings. Life is all about learning and growing but it is also about living, with whatever circumstances you are given and making the most of it and looking back and having no regrets.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

I started out a little bit more polarised I suppose than I am now, and a lot more open and trusting. Age has given me experiance, good and bad, and there are episodes in my life I wish Had done differently, by I do not have regret things I have not done.

Why waste your time regretting events you did not start, and can never trully know the course of that choice, can you. If you spend you life in reflection of not turning right at the crossroads five years ago, you may not discover the views on the road you have chosen, or waste your life reliving one discision which may have ended in a car crash, so you end up thinking about a dream, not a reality.

Stress is something I discovered with age. The more money you try to earn, the more stress others think is acceptable to heap onto your shoulders. I do not respond to other peoples deadlines now, I set my own goals, and ignore people who flap about and try to treat me like I was born yesterday.

I am also amazed at the depths some sad individuals will stoop to behind your back, and how the people with almost nothing to give will give freely, but the ones who have a comfortable life, will cheat, lie and even steal from you if they think that they can get away with it.

Answer 4

I grew up as an USAF brat, moved every 2-3 yrs and resented it because as soon as I got comfortable I had to start all over. When I finally settled down in 1 place I found out how much others envied me for my experiences and learned what I had was special since others have not had the opportunity to go where I have been, seen the things I have and done the things I have (like seeing the tulip festival in Amsterdam or spitting off of the Eiffel tower or learning to speak French, etc. when very young). So when someone asks what was it like, I enjoy sharing my memories. And have learned to enjoy listening to my older family members share their memories as it teaches me about something old and new at the same time.

I have also learned that the mistakes I make can be corrected, but only I can do that if I have enough courage to take the steps to fix it. And a loving/caring family is always there to help you take that first step and keep you on the stairs up from the darkness up into the light.

The best thing I was ever taught was something my grandfather told me: don't think that you know everything, because as you are dying you will find there are things to learn while dying. So always keep an open mind and learn as much as you can before this time and when it is your time don't forget to learn something new. And therefore I have followed his advice for 20 yrs after his death.

Answer 5

Wow, what a great question. That being said, it's really a difficult one to answer but I will make an attempt, here goes.
One of the major perspectives changed when I went into the military. I knew a lot of what to expect but I sure was green. I found out, in a year what takes others a lifetime to learn. War is hell but it needs to be, we fight to be free.
In later years I leaned towards the left side of politics but I became more aware as I grew older. I am now much more conservative.
I learned a lot from my son, hard lessons, those that shouldn't have to be but are, none-the-less.
Marrage was another, it took 3 shots to get it right and that's still up for debate.
When I was a child, I thought like a child, which is the way it should be.
Later on, I decided that not being able to do the things I did as a child, was a loss.
I used to play with all kinds of toy guns and thought that someday I'd be a real cowboy.
It took a long time but I did it, I became a cowboy and got an alias from SASS, the Single Action Shooting Society. I was a kid all over again and I loved it, I do to this day.
Another great thing I learned about life was that if you had to work and most of us do, then make it enjoyable.
That's exactly what I did. I loved the arts, drawing and such so I learned how to be a sign painter and when that grew to be boring, I went into another area, photography which I did for quite a few years, I was recognized as one of the best in my field.
After a number of years, I decided that it wasn't fun any more and I needed something that I enjoyed again. I went to the next obvious choice, firearms.
Working with Police Departments in a wide area, I learned more and more, I became an instructor certified by the NRA.
In between those things I persued my love for horses, sports cars (two seaters) and many other things. What I did not know about, I read and taught myself how to do it.
My perspective was laid out as I changed views, I followed my dreams and was happy.
Not to say I'm not any more because I am, I'm a 61 year old kid.
Rick

Answer 6

As I have matured, my attitude toward the daily little stresses has mellowed out, or don't sweat the small things I have no control over. Also I've learned to take an opportunity when it presents it's self, for if you wait for when you have more time or more money, it may never come. Life is too short and too precious to be negative in you actions and attitude, I find laughter is the best medicine, so I keep my sense of humor no matter how grave the situation. I totally enjoy the company of others and a good conversation, never be in too big a hurry not to smile and say hello. I spoil my Grand children, and my son says I'm getting even for the things they did as kids. Two things that will come up as you add up the years is to keep your mind sharp by reading and learning new things and to be active. Even if some medical problems arise, always be a bit stubborn and keep going. Stick to your beliefs and make the best of what you're blessed with. If we have friends or a close family, show love and show it often. The only thing I would have changed if I could was the fact, due to having to work a hard job to raise my children, I neglected the fact to eat a better diet myself. Something else you acquire as you age is compassion for the elderly and admiration.

Answer 7

The way I think and the way I react to things now are a lot different than even just a few years ago. Through education (and good old fashioned maturity) I've grew more patient and understanding as I get older. I spent a year living abroad and coming back to the States I find that it's amazing how little we all know. Yet most of us walk around all day like we know everything about the world, which is simply never true. There are so many different perspectives on this planet and so many experiences and people to learn from. So what is important is that we challenge each other and ourselves everyday to learn new things and take that information to create a better life for everyone. Even just taking a few steps back and looking at ourselves, it can help you to reexamine and change everything from racial tensions to why you argue with your husband all the time.

Answer 8

My exact sediments.
As I've gotten older I've gained more incite. This maturity thing is not handled well by everyone. Some folks like to languish in the past and remain the same. This world and times are forever changing. My body and appearances or changing with it. I have seen where I can improve on my posture, language and style. I am a metamorphosis in progress.
The Word says, "When I was a child, I thought like a child and did childish things; but when I became a man/woman, I put away that which was childish. I know this statement to be true. Even though people age their maturity is sometimes questioned!
I want to take in all that I can and process life that was given me. I am a conqueror! I have the tools at hand to master anything that comes my way. I enjoy life even with the pressures and all the trials that come with it. I am an analytical person and I love challenges. I guess you could call me a conservative thrill seeker. I have little to no money but I live well. I asked my daughter's boyfriend, who has been going through financial trouble, "Do you make money or does money make you?" He asked me what is success. I gave him Joshua 1:8,9. Read it for yourself.
I am not a Bible thumper nor am I a super religious person. I'm just real and straight to the point. I've been told that I am opinionated, so I say to that, "and....well". Most people can't handle the truth. I use to be that way but I take the bumps with the bruises pretty well and come out unscaved, because I try to live by truth. I sure will be judged by it, so why not live as close to it as possible?
This is a good question and worth answering!

Have a good day and the best life you can have! Cheers!

Answer 9

To live fearless. When making a decision, just think about the worse thing that can happen, then have a plan in place, should that happen. Suddenly, there is no longer any fear because fear is based on the unknown.

To always treat people with the respect you wish to be treated with. It does come back to you...

Plan for tomorrow, but live for today.

Know that life holds no guarantees, but most often you can't go wrong following your gut instincts.

Never turn down an opportunity. Though it may not be the one you want, if very well will lead you closer to it.

Have the courage to know when a decision you made is not working, and either fix it or move on.

Take full responsibility for your action....including your happiness, but most importantly your unhappiness. Otherwise, you will go through life blaming others and being a victim.

Love with all your heart, it can take many breaks and still keep ticking.

Answer 10

Well good question! I am currently 28-years-old, so I am still rather early in my life journey, however, I have still experienced some things that I feel I can answer this question.

In highschool I was worried about making a good impression, looking good ALL the time, wanting to fit in with the popular people. Getting invited to the next hip event. This would probably continue up though college to a point maybe 22 or 23 even. I would say my view when I was younger was very short sighted about things that really did not matter in the long run...stuff that today at almost 29 I could not care less about.

I no longer seek to be allowed to hang with the hip people, jocks, whatever it may be.

I am ME. I am unique and I strive for that. I always want to be a little bit different or a tad quirky...cause thats me and if you like me you do....if you don't it is not the end of my world or yours. I want to stay away from being like everyone else. I do not want to be the jock that I wanted to be in highschool. I no longer have that need to feel attractive to the hottest boy in school.

Now if I have gone to a school reunion and I see burnt out beer belly jocks, or popular girls still trying to be in this role....in the real world I am so happy that I don't feel this need. I don't care if they look at me differently only to take notice of me now.

I am a more open-minded and I was not shell-shocked when I changed to the real world while so many people have a hard time with.

I do things what I love, with my 2 year-old son, my family, my home no matter how small or simple it may be. I am happy here and love the freedom of not having to please somebody for something that I am not and having people love me for who I am...both my weaknesses and strengths.

There by making those I come in contact with me now are those who actually get to know the "authentic" me and not a farce.

Also I have learned that Life has many twists and turns some great some that really suck....but things work out...they have no choice but too. Things always work out.

Peace--Jammie

Answer 11

I think a lot of people's views change over time, I've come to the conclusion as you grow older you experiance more. From when your a child you have school and your whole life revolves around school, learning to write, speak, math, history, science, etc etc etc. So your views are certainly limited to what you see in this world. I.e. you sometimes only see what your parent's, teachers and your peers let you see sort of a shielded view of the whole picture that only shows you a portion of what there is. However that's not always the case sometimes a child can see the true, un-edited and sometimes ugly reality of the world and it's sometimes not a good thing because it can scare that person for life or make them strive that much harder to succeed it all depends on that persons character and drive.

After school, around the age of 17 or so I think ever person finally gets their first glimpse of the truly un-edited and raw version that this world is. No longer are there teachers and parent's to hold your hand and make sure everything is alright. For the first time in many peoples life they are thrust into a new enviroment and don't know how to react and sometimes stumble forward before they find their footing and are able to stand on their own. There is nothing wrong with that it happens to everyone when they first start out it's simply a fact of life.

I think your comment on regretting they did do something is kind of backwards of course I don't think you would meet people who would regret what they would do, even if they had a negative impact on your life. Something I've learned over the years and what you said towards the end of that is to experiance life in the good and the bad, take that running leep off the perviable cliff so to speak don't skirt around the edge. One can never truly live in my oppion if you aren't willing and able to take every minute of every day as if they were your last minutes or days alive. If you believe that you can in my oppion live a truly wonderful life not held back by any moral conviction, not held back by hestiancy by what others may think of you and your actions, and not held back by what the fallout may be. One of my friends told me once you only live once, live with no regret and never look back. Of course Hindsight is 20/20 and there things you might do differently if you had known this or that. But that's the point of life, you are supposed to make mistakes, nothing in this world will ever be perfect and so your lives can never be perfect no matter how hard you try, and if that is all you worried about is being perfect then you will have the most regrets when you get older.

So I say live life to the fullest, live as if this day was your last and never let anyone tell you no. We are only limited by our own fears and insecurites the minute you let go you can leap for the stars and not worry about what may happen. So what if you fall dust yourself off, pick yourself back up and try again. And keep trying till you succeed.