Among the many things I've come to learn later in life than I should is the wisdom that can be gained from others. For much of my life I acted as if I had all the answers, that there was little I could learn from others' wisdom, experience, example, inspiration. Charitably perhaps it was the belief that I should always be self-sufficient, self-motivated, but in reality it was arrogance. In so many spheres- education, career, relationships, even health and fitness, I seldom listened to, never mind heeded, the suggestions, wisdom, and advice others offered, nor sought to learn from the examples and experiences of others. And it was my loss- there are so many people out there to learn from, many of whom are willing, even eager, to lend their expertise, their experiences, their wisdom.
I've become better at this over the years. I've grown to increasingly value the opinions, suggestions, and advice of others. Moreso I've tried to learn from the examples set by the people around me- how they treat their spouses or significant others, how they raise their kids, how they work diligently, what they value, how they make and take the time to enjoy and appreciate the people in their lives. Some people I simply take inspiration from, from their attitude toward and they way they live their lives. Some- probably many- of these folks don't even know that they motivate, teach, and inspire me, by example as much as by word.
There is so much to be learned from those around us, if only we take the time, and lose the arrogance, to do so.
