Every action we take, every interaction with another, has an effect. We matter. We all do. Whatever age, shape, color we are, we have agency in the world. We are not powerless. The simple act of smiling has an effect on another. Who knows what is happening with the person you just smiled at, and you don’t know how your smile will be interpreted but it has a power to influence. How we are perceived is somewhat within our control, as we are 50% of it; the other half is out of our control, and is actually not really our business. Our part is us, doing our best every day to be the best version we can of who we are. Sure, we will feel better for making an effort; just as important, and some would say more so, is that others will notice. The effect we have is like a pebble in a pond. The waves go out, the effect radiates from us.
This is a responsibility, too. For us of a certain age carry with us leadership, as we are where the younger people will be at some point. They may behave dismissively, but they see us and they are learning. Fun fact: 42% of AGEISTreaders are under 50 and a quarter of them are under 30. Influence is not always about speaking to who you think you are, as others are listening.
Onward and upward,
David
