The start of a new year always makes us think about our accomplishments and regrets. I asked a few older (above 60) acquaintances, about what they thought their biggest accomplishment was, the answer made me smile. Most of them said it was the relationships they had created or the way they had raised their children or the fact that they helped some needy people during the holiday time. I was a bit shocked, and I will tell you why.
Being a woman in my 40s who has just finally stated to live my life on my own terms, I looked at accomplishments differently. When I think of my accomplishments I think more in terms of publishing a book or finishing a asters degree with older children, travelling the world or following my heart.
Then when I asked the same question from the younger generation that were in their 20s and early 30s for them accomplishment meant to find the perfect guy, to be able to get that 5 carat ring, be able to get into the top university in the country and to make their first million.
It got me thinking is age really a factor in how we see life? I know this sounds like a question with a simple answer, but many people don't agree with me. Many of my friends have said feel that age is a number you can see the most mature 12-year-old and the most immature 50-year-old.
Is it true that maturity affects our future aspirations and our past accomplishments? I don't think so. I think they are not based on our mental or physical growth, but on the moments we have. We can be born with a high IQ level and seriousness, we could be as successful or as childlike as can be, but does that teach us what's important?
No, it's our experiences that include interaction with humans and animals, our successes and failures, our everyday disappointments, the love you get from your children and friends -- those are the things that I believe teach you what your accomplishments are. And as humans we need to learn that before we turn 60.