Have you put much thought into what it means to be part of an older generation?  One of the largest generations in history that has a wealth of skills and experience. The generation that has pushed their rocking chairs aside to go skydiving, rock climbing and dancing.

So, what influence do you have on the younger generations? Specifically, what role does a Grandfather play in the life of a grandson?

As boys age they transform through different stages:

In the early years they are focused on strong love and security. At this stage, they tend to prefer the natural advantages of their mother, however grandparents can provide unconditional love and create those fundamental connections needed for the future.  

After the age of six, a boy will look around to see how to do “maleness.” The male role models in his life become his focus. At this stage boys need to learn the effects of their own strength and how they can control it.

Beginning at the age of 14 boys search out input from male mentors, other than his father. This is where grandfathers wield incredible influence and offer wise advice with a unique perspective on life.

AgeEsteem shines through the older generation creating a foundation for the younger generation.

Participants at an AgeEsteem presentation during an international woman’s conference in Africa came from Holland, Serre Leone, Nigeria, USA, Australia, Kenya, New Zealand, Wales, England, and Trinidad and Tobago.

Each shared one role model and the qualities  most admired in the person.  These role models were real people in their lives – people like you and me.

• An aunt who “had no education but taught through example how to have a gentle heart.”
• A friend who “is wise, not afraid to question, and even during difficult moments has time for her friends.  She gives positive feedback on how I can improve.”
• A boss who “is energetic and passionate, and concentrates on balancing a very high pressured professional life and her family.”
• A friend who “cares for herself and is elegant.”
• A colleague who “encourages others and is open, confident, asks questions, and is intelligent, strong and not afraid.”
• A top media personality “who interviews to highlight the good in people, is sincere, ethical and respected so people listen to her.”

No matter how different our cultures may be, many of the same qualities and attributes that we respect flow among our answers.  What any one of these women expressed, I could very well have highlighted in my life.  Probably the same is true for you.

This emphasizes even further that our words and actions carry the power to affect lives for better or worse.  Each day we have the opportunity to softly teach and influence through example.

Having strong AgeEsteem helps us to be natural models of influence.

You are a constant model for others.

We never really know the influence that we have on others.  If you are like me there have been people who you could not even call by name who have left a lasting impact.

Life’s greatest lessons do not come from books or formal learning.  They are learned by watching others live and interact, listening to the intonation of their words, reading their expressions and feeling their emotions.

When we feel confident with age-esteem, we stand out as positive role models to others of all ages.   What an effective way to lead others towards a new image of age.   Be a living example!

The Age Of Our Soul

We are the age of our soul.

Our soul is our inner essence, the basis of who we are and what we represent in this life.  Do I still have lessons to learn, talents and knowledge to share?  Do I still have places to go and people to meet?  Are there contributions I can make to my neighborhood, and therefore to the world?

If I have a joy for life, love myself and others, am able to influence the life of someone else in even the smallest way, my soul is alive and so am I!  Age is not a factor.  Living is what matters.