Autor: Stephanie Voss

“Every life phase offers the opportunity to start anew.” – Rita Süssmuth

Every time has its purpose and presents us with challenges. These challenges can lead to two outcomes: either one fails and is overwhelmed, or one finds a way to overcome them. Overcoming does not always mean turning the challenge into success. It can also mean learning to live with it and gaining something positive from the situation.

Imagine that large stones lie in the way of our path. There are three possible reactions:

1. One sits in front of the large boulders, feels sorry for oneself, and waits for someone to remove the stones.

2. One makes an effort and tries to remove the stones using tools like levers. If successful, the path is clear.

3. If one fails, there are two alternatives: either return to the first strategy and wait for help, or find another way, such as building a bypass or a bridge over the stones.

These two alternatives—submitting to circumstances or dealing creatively with them—can also be applied to different life phases. As one grows older, it becomes clear that not everything can be achieved in life, and movement is no longer as easy as in younger years. The focus shifts, and often a wisdom and calmness develop with age that younger people may lack. One can mourn the past and reminisce about how wonderful it was to be a young adult, or one can recognize the wisdom and experience gained over the years.

Every life phase is a new beginning when we learn to deal creatively with challenges. This is possible by accepting the circumstances and changing our perspective. Then, we can view every phase of our life as a chance for a fresh start.

This can only be achieved by freeing oneself from prejudices, clichés, and opinions regarding life phases. How each individual interprets a life phase should be left to them.

“The greatest revelation is silence.” — Laozi

In our fast-paced world, silence often feels elusive, yet it is in these quiet moments that our best insights emerge. Laozi’s wisdom reminds us of the profound impact stillness can have on our lives. Just as children are encouraged to endure boredom to spark creativity, we too must embrace silence for reflection and innovation.

Fuchs (Fuchs, Katharina Anna (2014): Emotionserkennung und Empathie. Eine multimethodale psychologische Studie am Beispiel von Psychopathie und sozialer Ängstlichkeit, Wiesbaden, Deutschland: Springer Fachmedien.) identifies several forms of silence, each serving a unique purpose:

1. Silence as a Background to Speech: This type of silence enhances spoken words and creates space for future dialogue, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful pauses.

2. Silence as Indirect Communication: Unspoken understandings can convey more than words, inviting us to listen deeply and read between the lines.

3. Silence as a Break in Communication: Moments of surprise or shock can lead to a cessation of dialogue, allowing silence to express what words cannot.

4. Silence as a Shared Experience: This transcends verbal communication, fostering profound connections. Silence I creates a palpable tension directed toward the other, while Silence II dissolves this intentionality, allowing for a secure space where genuine relationships can develop. This „I-Thou“ relationship fosters implicit intersubjectivity, connecting individuals without specific intention.

Silence is essential for creation—whether it be new ideas or meaningful relationships. It allows for self-reflection and growth.

When was the last time you embraced silence? In a world that often prioritizes noise, let us not overlook the richness that silence can bring. By welcoming stillness, we open ourselves to insights that can transform our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

“Pay attention to the small things in the world; they make life richer and more satisfying.” — Carl Hilty

Each morning, when I wake up, my husband is usually already up. He often prepares a wonderful latte macchiato for me, with the right amound of milk and coffee. While this may seem like a small gesture, it never fails to bring a smile to my face and sets a positive tone for my day. When he doesn’t do it—usually only on the rare occasions when he hasn’t slept well or is feeling unwell—I feel the absence of that little ritual throughout the day.

Small moments of joy can come from the simplest things, like our dog resting his snout on my leg, asking to be petted, or the comforting presence of a loved one when I’m not feeling my best. I particularly cherish the little wonders in nature: the first ray of sunlight breaking through the leaves, casting a kaleidoscope of colors; a butterfly fluttering by; or a ladybug exploring a leaf. All of these moments enrich my life and bring me satisfaction.

These are the daily joys that we can appreciate, which are not to be taken for granted. While wealth and money can make life more comfortable and may provide a sense of security, do they truly make life richer in a fulfilling sense? I believe that very wealthy individuals can sometimes feel unsatisfied or even impoverished in spirit. They may wonder if the people around them are truly there for who they are or simply for their wealth and status.

Can a lavishly designed home provide the same happiness as a simple morning coffee shared with a loved one? Of course, one can enjoy both, but what ultimately matters are the small moments where we feel secure and free, allowing us to discover the wonders of the world.

Let us remember to cherish these little things, for they are what truly enrich our lives and bring lasting satisfaction.

“The world can only be good and pure if our lives are good and pure.” — Swami Vivekananda

This quote resonates deeply with me. It suggests that our actions stem from our attitudes and values. Our subconscious strives to align every action with a consistent behavior that reflects our beliefs. We tend to view ourselves in a positive light, often pushing aside any inconsistencies in our behavior. Instead, we reinterpret these discrepancies to maintain a sense of logic and coherence.

This tendency underscores why offering constructive feedback to others can often feel futile, particularly when trust is lacking. When someone’s actions seem inconsistent, the person acting may feel entirely justified in their behavior, believing it to be logical from their perspective. Yet, to an observer, these actions might appear irrational or in need of improvement.

In such cases, feedback may be necessary, but the recipient might be unable or unwilling to accept it. This highlights an important truth: we can only correct and examine our own behavior. It is essential for us to determine whether our thoughts and actions are pure and aligned with our values.

Maintaining awareness of our inner lives is crucial for nurturing the goodness we wish to project into the world. By doing so, we can positively influence the lives of others—not by direct intervention, but by activating their mirror neurons through our authentic actions.

As we embody the purity we seek, we naturally inspire those around us. This aligns with Albert Bandura’s social learning theory, which emphasizes the importance of learning through observation and modeling.

In a world often filled with negativity and chaos, let us strive to cultivate our inner lives. By fostering goodness within ourselves, we can create a ripple effect that touches the lives of others, ultimately contributing to a more positive and pure world.

How do you ensure that your actions reflect your values? Let’s share our insights and support one another on this journey of self-improvement and positive influence.

“Whoever wishes to live in peace with themselves must accept themselves as they are.” — Selma Lagerlöf

I wholeheartedly agree with this sentiment. When we struggle to accept our own nature and essence, we inevitably start to doubt our existence and the decisions we make. Our reactions are deeply rooted in our past experiences and how we have navigated the challenges life has thrown our way.

Living in doubt about our reactions and choices can feel like a boomerang, only causing more confusion and self-blame. Our behaviors and responses are influenced by our upbringing and personal history, each having its rationale. Every action, no matter how it appears, is a reflection of the individual behind it—provided, of course, that it does not involve wrongdoing.

The interpretation of our actions by others can lead to judgments and condemnation. At that moment, we might feel that we cannot change our reactions; however, we can analyze them later and strive to learn and grow from those experiences. This process is only possible if we forgive ourselves and make peace with our behavior.

Each of us must learn to accept ourselves as we are. There was a valid reason for our past actions, shaped by our experiences. We can learn from what has happened, but only if we do so with full self-acceptance. It is only in a state of kindness towards ourselves that we can understand the reactions of others and learn from them.

Failing to accept ourselves leads to self-blame and feelings of inadequacy. Living in acceptance of ourselves and our past means finding peace within ourselves and the world around us.

In a world that often demands perfection, let’s remember that true growth comes from embracing who we are—flaws and all. By cultivating self-acceptance, we not only foster our own inner peace but also create a more compassionate environment for those around us.

Let’s embark on this journey of self-discovery and acceptance together. How do you practice self-acceptance in your life?

“Always remember that everything is transient.” This quote from Socrates reminds us of life’s fleeting nature and invites us to reflect on what truly matters. In a world often driven by material pursuits, the realization of impermanence can help us focus on the essentials.

The Value of Individuality

When we accept that everything is transient, it becomes increasingly important to concentrate on what holds personal value for us. These values are as unique as we are. There is no universal “right” or “wrong”—each of us must decide for ourselves what brings meaning and fulfillment.

Material Things vs. Experiences

A central idea is that we cannot take material possessions with us. What endures are our experiences, our knowledge, and the love we have given and received. These aspects enrich our souls and accompany us on our life journeys. The beautiful moments and the lessons learned from dark times are what ultimately shape us.

Authenticity and the Cost of Staying True to Oneself

Being true to oneself often means swimming against the current. It can be painful to feel misunderstood or rejected. Yet, the price of authenticity is worth it; it gives us the assurance that we have done our best and stood by what we believe is right.

A Lasting Legacy

Ultimately, our true selves remain in the memories of the people we have touched. Do we want to be remembered as someone who always conformed, or as someone who stood firm in their values? The choice is ours.

Conclusion

Impermanence makes us brave. It encourages us to stand by ourselves and live out what is truly important to us. In a constantly changing world, with the right mindset and values, we can navigate life’s challenges and leave behind a meaningful legacy.

So let’s take a moment to reflect on what truly matters to us and live it with unwavering conviction!