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The Myth of Age and Wisdom

Reflection on Growth and Integration

As I celebrated another birthday, I took time to reflect, as I do every year.

In the past, this ritual often led to a flood of emotions — joy, sadness, frustration — all stemming from a deep search for direction.

For years, I believed that as I got older, life would naturally fall into place, as if aging alone would provide the answers.

I thought that by this point, I’d have it all figured out. But the truth is far simpler and more profound:

There’s a common misconception that growing older automatically brings clarity, wisdom, and peace.

We imagine that with age comes mastery of life, but what I’ve found is this:

Formula for Life Mastery

At 42, I’ve realized that life mastery doesn’t come from years of experience alone. Instead, it comes from the small, consistent habits we build each day.

It’s not the grand gestures or major life achievements that create happiness, but the simple, integrated practices that enhance the quality of our lives.

I’ve learned that true blessings are not always big, life-changing events. They are often the smallest things that bring the most peace.

These blessings:​
- Connect the body with the mind
- Integrate peace naturally
- Nurture the soul without disruption

Understanding Trauma’s Impact

When we’ve gone through trauma — true trauma, not just life’s difficulties but deep-rooted pain — our natural response is often to create disruption instead of flow.

We:​
​- Seek chaos rather than calm
- Resist the natural rhythm of life

This resistance can stop us from finding proper peace as we get stuck in patterns that disrupt our growth.

Harmony is discovering levels and layers of yourself rather than the breakthrough of the psyche.

Knowing doesn’t always help. We all know sugar is bad for us, and eat it anyway.

Business Wisdom for Personal Life

One of the best pieces of business advice I ever received was to remain invisible in your excellence.

You aim to be so reliable in business that you never become the problem.

This wisdom applies to personal life too:

- Deliver on your promises consistently
- Maintain quality in your actions
- Avoid being the source of unnecessary drama

When we approach our relationships and responsibilities this way, we create trust and stability without drawing attention to the effort.

The Power of Preparation

I’ve also learned that success comes not from seeking praise for the effort, but from preparation and flawless execution.

Recently, I remarried at 42.

My husband and I have merged two families — teenagers to mid-twenties, some single and some married — crossing oceans to start fresh.

It’s like landing on “GO” in Monopoly and starting over with nearly twenty people in our family unit.

There’s no manual for this, but preparation and trust in the process have been key.

Drawing inspiration from Jordan Peterson, I’ve come to realize that meaning doesn’t come from doing what’s easy.

True growth happens when we:
- Pursue difficult and challenging pathways
- Push our mental and physical boundaries
- Accept responsibility, rather than seek comfort

The pursuit of hard goals is what gives life its deepest meaning.

It’s in the struggle that we find purpose.

Practical Preparation Tips

Preparation is key to finding peace and meaning, and for me, it starts with simple daily habits:

1. Begin with meditation: Still your body, and allow your breath to move freely.
2. Create order: Make the bed, organize your space, and ask yourself what might be getting in your way emotionally or physically.
3. Nourish your body: Hydrate well and eat a healthy meal — vegetables and protein.
4. Connect spiritually: Engage in prayer or another mindful practice that grounds you.

These simple actions help set the foundation for a balanced, peaceful day.

Balance is not static

— it’s like a pendulum that swings back and forth.

We make better decisions in business, in parenting, and in relationships when we take the time to center ourselves first.

No matter how chaotic life may feel, when you create space for peace, you open yourself up to better decision-making and clearer thinking.

The Wisdom of Simplicity

At 42, I’ve learned that it’s okay not to have all the answers.

The most underrated wisdom lies in the simple, daily practices that seamlessly integrate into your life.

Joy, satisfaction, and meaning don’t come from major accomplishments or grand gestures. They come from integrating simplicity into your daily routine.

If there’s one thing I’ve come to understand, it’s this:

​
Small, non-disruptive practices + Consistency = A meaningful life

These modest practices — like meditation, nourishment, and creating order — don’t just help manage the chaos; they prevent it.

As Nate Ortiz wisely said:
“The qualities you acquire while you wait will only elevate your chances of success and ensure you’re prepared when opportunity arrives.”

Growth isn’t about living in your head or collecting knowledge. It’s about integrating wisdom into your body and soul through mindful, consistent action.

Your journey isn’t about reaching a perfect destination.

It’s about embracing the process — the graceful dance of continuous growth and integration, one simple practice at a time.

Remember to count our blessings as we move through life’s challenges; they help your mind and body integrate. It also reminds you of what is really important in life.

Find meaning in the struggle rather than the pain. Focus on the modest practices that bring peace and harmony to our lives.

Warmly,
​Esther

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