The dictionary defines wise as “having the power of discerning and judging properly as to what is true and right.”
Some individuals embody this definition as others may never find it, and some are almost there.
It can indeed be agreed upon that to be wise; you need to have a multitude of experiences and focus on morals. This can be a long debilitating journey for some, an accelerated series of realizations for others, and many people may not ever even get there at all.
What about you? Are you continually venturing on a journey of self-improvement?
Here are seven signs you are becoming wise:
1. You Are Finally Learning From Your Mistakes
It took you a while, but you have finally realized that your mistakes make you stronger, and you should try not to repeat them. Gone are the days of staying out late drinking or driving your car like you are invincible.
2. You Accept That You Are Getting Old
Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to be elderly to be wise, but you do need to accept that you are getting old and that yes, your time is limited.
Instead of dwelling on this, you have chosen to use this acceptance to make the best out of each day and be grateful every morning you wake up. Your glass is not just full; it is overflowing.
3. You Find The Time to Breathe
Maybe you meditate, perhaps you do yoga, maybe you sit by a majestic lake and write every day. Whatever it may be, you have discovered a way to hit the pause button in our hectic and demanding world.
4. You Have Learned to Empathize
Perhaps it was Atticus Finch who said it best: “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.”— To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee.
You give everyone a chance and do your best not to judge. You are continually showing tolerance towards others and examining every person’s context, opposed to making assumptions based on first impressions.
5. You Stick to Your Convictions
Everyone’s journey is different. The focus is not on what religion you practice; it is that you hold an insurmountable amount of faith in whatever you choose to believe, and your beliefs lift people up, not make others fall. You dare to stand up for what you think is right and you stand on a steady foundation of hope.
6. You Continue to Educate Yourself
Knowledge is, indeed, power. You recognize the importance of being a lifelong learner, and you continue to read and arm yourself with a plethora of ideas. You pride yourself on being somewhat aware of global events and are always eager to know more.
7. You Frequently Forgive
This one probably took longer than the rest, but at some point in your life, you had the epiphany that forgiveness is not an entirely unselfish act; forgiveness is just as beneficial, if not more beneficial for the forgiver. Once you realized that harboring resentment, anger, and hate, do more harm to you than the person these thoughts are directed towards, you most-likely felt not only wise but . . . free.
Please Share with Your Friends and Family
