Life Lessons well Spent

In a day and age where technology appears to rule the day and the sky is virtually the limit in what we can achieve, I often find that young adults seem to have the most difficulty adapting to their new roles in life. Once young men and women get past raging hormones, acne and the feelings of peer acceptance – they are often still overwhelmed by the challenges and uncertainty of the times. It is easy for those of us, ripened with time and experience, to wonder how these feelings of lack and overwhelm can be so prolific in our youth. But given the nature of our socioeconomic environment, it is really no wonder at all. In fact, our high school and college graduates face a tough housing and job market. To them, everything is not as clear cut as it may have been for ourselves and those who came before us.

Ever heard that old adage about earning a degree at the College of Hard Knox? Those are some of the best life lessons well spent. For those of us who have been there, we might have some words of wisdom to share. We have seen and experienced what curve balls life can throw our way. Because of the encounters that many of us have experienced in the past, we just might be the perfect mentors to our youth during these difficult times if they are willing to listen to our words about the life lessons that we have faced. I am sure there are many wise people who have sound advice to offer those who need it the most.
So how do we help them create an attitude of gratitude even when the chips are stacked against them? Though it is an easy question to ask, the answer is not always so straightforward. That is when your life lessons can come in handy. In a lot of cases, you or someone you know may have faced a similar situation when the burdens of life just seemed too much to bear. How did you or another individual make it past the hurdle? What mental and proactive strategies did you employ to overcome these trials? Remember, there are no “right” or “wrong” answers…only suggestions to help mentor those who need it. Teaching an attitude of gratitude – no matter what the circumstances may be – is the definitive sentiment to encourage in these desperate times.

Timing is also always the key. Knowing when to say something is equally as important as lending the guidance itself. Obviously, you need to search for body signals to determine the most appropriate time to speak with the young adult(s) in your life. Deep inside that mind is a battle of the wits. S/he is still trying to gain her/his footing as to where s/he is, where s/he wants to be, and ultimately, how s/he is going to arrive there. If you jump too quickly, you may feed her/his fear. If you wait too long, s/he may simply give up.
Wait for an opportune time to share your own life stories – not to dismiss the real emotions and experiences of the young adult in your life – but to make them aware of the fact that s/he is not the only one going through such adversity and tough times. Help her/him to understand that there is light at the end of the proverbial tunnel; and that no matter what life hands her/him, s/he will come out of it okay if s/he is willing to go the distance and appreciate the blessings that s/he has in the here and now.

In the end, we are merely the watchtower in the bay. We can offer light and a pathway. The journey, however, is for the young adult alone to pave. These will be (her/his own) life lessons well spent.
Life Lessons well Spentr
By Joan Marie Whelan

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