***Recycling Boomer Wisdom

By David Secan, CSBA, MS, Submitted by Boomer-Living.com the Official Guide to Baby Boomers
The official guide to Baby Boomers

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Question: What is one of the most valuable recyclables in the history of humanity?

Answer: YOU!

Let’s face it. Boomers have lived, loved, and learned through some of the most interesting, challenging, and amazing times. Interacting with a generation of children and young adults who can hardly imagine a video-free lifestyle, places some of us in a self-assessed position of technological inferiority. And with technology integrated into virtually everything we touch these days, this covers a huge amount of territory.

I have no intention of dissing (i.e., showing disrespect) the “real-time” oriented and creative youngsters out there. That said, just because I can’t text (i.e., type) with one thumb tied behind my back, it doesn’t mean I have nothing to say. Further, since I choose not to juggle nine tasks in a five-minute time window, it doesn’t mean that I am comprehension challenged (i.e., don’t get IT), change-resistant (i.e., afraid), energetically inhibited (i.e., lazy), or temporally impaired (i.e., living in the past). None of this is to suggest that our entire demographic is perceived this way, nor that we are incapable of incorporating technology into our lives in meaningful ways – not by a long shot.

So what AM I saying here? I’m suggesting that we have an opportunity to recycle one of the most abundant – yet underrated – natural resources in history …………… wait for it …………. BOOMER WISDOM. Oh yes, you heard me. Since we’ve gotten this far in life, we can certainly claim a little bit of wisdom. Can’t we? Describe it as the school of hard knocks or an Ivy League diploma, common sense or common courtesy, the real world or the natural world, knowing what you know or what you don’t, or asking the right question or determining the right answer. It is time to claim our individual and collective wisdom – and even more importantly – it is time to share it.

Some of us are actively seeking wisdom, while others are open to it in a passive way. Some are mentors awaiting a curious and open mind. Others educate without even realizing it. The latter are true role models, doing the right things without concern as to whether someone is watching or not. It has been said that when the student(s) is ready, the teacher(s) will appear. In one way or another, aren’t we all students?

During these days and months of uncertainty, particularly regarding challenges and issues impacting communities, economies, and ecologies, wisdom seems a scarce resource indeed. I suggest that it is time for our generation’s wisdom in all forms and all topics to appear. We need us now! Though abundant in nature, this resource of wisdom needs to be recycled.

What kind of wisdom do you have to share? Perhaps you are enthusiastic or passionate about something. Are you a master story-teller, linking experiences to solutions? Maybe listening is your gift – one of great value, I might add. Have you had successes building collaborative relationships; profitable – yet compassionate businesses? Do children and teenagers find you utterly fascinating? Come on now, you know they do? Perhaps you have an engaging entrepreneurial spirit, are an inventor, even a sounding board to other creative souls. I know; you’re an organic farmer from the days before Genetically Modified Organisms. Maybe you’re a photographer with an eye for some of the poignant moments in life often overlooked. Are you a Doctor without a border interested in healing locally?

Countless opportunities to share the person you are and the wisdom you’ve earned await you. People are scanning with all of their senses hoping to meet you. After decades dedicated to identifying our respective passions and gifts, we must share them in order to fulfill our purposes and continue the cycle. Let’s move outside of the residential community rooms into our communities. In addition to interacting with like-minded folks, let’s engage with people less like ourselves. Are you ready to unveil your wisdom? The world is waiting for you!

I invite you – no, I implore you – to RECYCLE and send in your own stories of wisdom shared, as student or teacher, mentor or mentee, or incidental observer. Remember, a truly wise person never stops learning.

Thanks for your kind attention.

You may respond to David below or email him at dsecan@boomer-living.com or visit him online at www.TheHTrust.com