Have you ever wondered what it would be like to see yourself through the eyes of others? I imagine that many of us, at some point, have wished we could explain what others perceive because we know our own story better than anyone else. But here’s the thing: how they see us is shaped by their perceptions, not our reality.
Now, imagine how much of our lives we spend trying to explain ourselves, trying to be enough, trying to do better—endlessly shifting between the lenses of those around us. We strive to meet expectations, to fit roles, to be seen in a certain light. But in doing so, we often lose sight of who we truly are. This inauthentic existence can persist until something—often a crisis—triggers a breakdown that forces us to come apart, to confront the reality that we’ve been living for others rather than ourselves.
This breakdown, as painful as it is, can be the catalyst for profound growth. When we’re broken, we’re left with no choice but to get to know ourselves anew. But this time around, there’s no room for compromise. We don’t want to take any more bullshit. We don’t want to settle for less than we deserve. This is the beginning of true freedom—the freedom that comes from knowing who you are and standing firm in that knowledge, refusing to bend to others’ expectations.
And this brings me to the workplace. Society often undervalues people of a certain age, particularly in the corporate world. Companies tend to favor youth, energy, and fresh ideas, overlooking the deep well of wisdom and experience that older employees bring to the table. But here’s the truth: they’re missing out.
The second half of life is a powerful time. It’s a time when we’ve done our testing, our cleaning, our pleading, and our chasing. We’ve learned our lessons, and we’ve come to know ourselves in a way that’s unshakable. Anyone who experiences us at this stage in life is getting the most authentic version of us. And that authenticity is invaluable.
Employers should be thanking us for the skills we bring, but more importantly, for the life experiences that have shaped us. We’ve been through the battles, we’ve weathered the storms, and we’ve emerged with a clarity of purpose and a depth of understanding that can’t be taught in any classroom or training program.
But it’s not just about what we bring to the table. It’s about what companies can gain if they simply choose to value us and take care of us. Our wisdom, our resilience, our authenticity—these are assets that can drive success in ways that are often overlooked.
So, let’s embrace the second half of life with all the power, freedom, and authenticity it offers. Let’s refuse to compromise on who we are and what we’ve earned through our experiences. Because when we do, we’re not just living for ourselves—we’re setting a standard for those who will follow, showing them that there’s immense value in living authentically, no matter your age.
That’s freedom. And that’s something worth fighting for.
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