When you reflect on your life, you could find it difficult to identify the turning points or question if you are actually growing wiser or not.
How can you tell whether what you’re going through is indeed a sign of wisdom or merely life’s natural ups and downs?
Here’s a list of seven indicators that you might be growing older. If these strike a chord with you, celebrate! You are headed toward knowledge and self-awareness.
- Accepting and embracing uncertainty
As we mature, we frequently turn to the dependable and comfortable for solace.
We fear the unknown and yearn for clarity. A more prudent person, though, recognises that life is inherently unpredictable.
This does not imply letting go of control or accepting chaos. Instead, it’s about coming to terms with the fact that we cannot predict or control everything and finding contentment in that understanding.
It’s about accepting life as it comes, picking up lessons from every encounter, and realising that things could go differently than planned—and that’s good.
A mature mind is demonstrated by acceptance of uncertainty. It demonstrates flexibility and a readiness to learn—two qualities that are essential to knowledge.
- Putting up with flaws
People with wisdom realise that nobody is flawless, neither themselves nor anybody else. They are aware that imperfections and errors present chances for development rather than weakness.
They view flaws as essential components of who they are rather than as shortcomings.
According to psychology, being able to accept imperfection shows a deep sense of self-awareness and self-compassion, two traits that are essential to wisdom.
Take heart if you’re beginning to embrace your flaws and view them as possibilities rather than failures! Your wisdom is increasing.
- Practising patience
Patience may appear to be an antiquated quality in our fast-paced society.
It’s common for us to be urged to aim for rapid outcomes and satisfaction. However, a more mature individual recognises the importance of patience and its potential.
This does not imply passivity or complacency. Rather, it’s about realising that wonderful things frequently require time. It all comes down to understanding when to talk, when to listen, when to act, and when to wait.
Being patient is a sign of self-control and emotional intelligence—two qualities that are essential to knowledge.
- Placing memories above material belongings
It is a known fact that as individuals get older and wiser, they tend to place a higher value on experiences than on material things. Examples of these experiences include travelling, learning new skills, and spending quality time with loved ones.
This isn’t about giving up all material possessions or leading an austere lifestyle. Rather, it’s about realising that, unlike material belongings, experiences have the power to improve our lives and further our personal development.
This is supported by psychology, as experiences—rather than material possessions—are proven to promote happiness and contentment.
- Enduring pain and suffering
Although life is wonderful, it is not without its challenges and heartaches. Although our natural tendency would be to run from suffering, a more astute individual realises that it is an unavoidable aspect of being human.
This is not about downplaying the importance of healing or elevating suffering. It’s about accepting that our wounds, hardships, and scars are a natural part of who we are. They mould us, they impart knowledge, and they frequently cause us to develop in unexpected ways.
Psychology recognises that resilience, or the capacity to bear hardship and overcome it, is a sign of a developed and astute mind.
Take a minute to reflect if you are experiencing pain but are resilient enough to learn from it instead of running away from it. That just means that you are indeed growing.
- Speaking less and listening more
It may seem unwise to be quiet in a world where everyone is willing to share their thoughts. However, a knowledgeable person is aware of the importance of listening.
This is not the same as stifling your own voice or beliefs. Instead, it’s about making the time to listen intently to people, comprehend their viewpoints, and gain knowledge from them.
It’s about realising that, on occasion, listening intently is a more prudent course of action than skillfully countering.
According to psychology, empathy and effective communication are essential components of wisdom, and both need active listening.
- Acquiring the ability to release and let go
We amass a multitude of items during our lifetimes, including not just tangible belongings but also relationships, resentments, regrets, and expectations. But a smart person knows how important it is to let go.
It’s not about forgetting or giving up on this. It’s about releasing oneself from the burden of unresolved issues, setbacks, or unmet expectations from the past.
It’s about realising that clinging to these objects would only impede our development and enjoyment.
The capacity to let go and move on is an indication of perseverance and emotional development.
A deeper dive into wisdom
The concept of wisdom is intricate and multidimensional, encompassing more than just the acquisition of knowledge.
It’s a complex fusion of intuition, experience, introspection, and understanding. It’s about the ability to find meaning in life’s events and to understand the world around us on a deeper level.
Wisdom is fundamentally a change in viewpoint, from self-centeredness to an awareness of the bigger picture. This entails acknowledging the complexity and diversity of the human experience as well as comprehending the viewpoints and experiences of others.
It also involves a sense of humility. It’s recognising that there is always more to learn, regardless of how much we already know. It’s about realising that we are not the only ones with answers and acknowledging our limitations.
Frequently, we find ourselves dwelling in extremes—be it love or hate, joy or sorrow, peace or conflict. However, wisdom enlightens us about the significance of balance. It fosters our comprehension that life isn’t merely a dichotomy of black and white but rather a vast spectrum of greys.
Moreover, wisdom underscores the essence of authenticity in our lives. It entails remaining genuine to who we are, upholding our values steadfastly, and navigating our journey in alignment with our deeply held beliefs and principles.
Thus, if you recognise any or all of the aforementioned indicators, pause to acknowledge your personal development.
Every day, you gain strength, resilience, and wisdom.
(Tashia Bernardus)