08/11/18

Elder Or Elderly—Inspirational Reading

I recently finished reading Thomas Moore’s most recent book: Ageless Soul: The Lifelong Journey Toward Meaning and Joy https://www.amazon.com/Ageless-Soul-Lifelong-Journey-Meaning/dp/B075X2S2Y8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1533849488&sr=8-1&keywords=ageless+soul+thomas+moore.

I find the book extremely important and have described its premise—distinguishing between being elderly and being an elder—as critical for living a life with meaning and joy. I also immediately saw its importance to the survival of both the incumbent head of a family business and the business itself.

Within the mainstream of our contemporary culture ‘elder’ is perhaps an elusive term. Moore though, uses this term as he writes about elders he has known in his life, and about their qualities. Surprisingly, these qualities are not elusive, though they may be challenging. In the section of the book entitled “How to Be an Elder” (pp 178-185) he presents this list:

  1. The first requirement is to be comfortable with your age
  2. Have confidence in your education and experience to the point you may guide others
  3. The elder has to love young people
  4. The elder uses any knowledge and wisdom he or she has to benefit others, especially the young
  5. Cultivate your power to inspire others

 

01/3/18

Thoughts On The New Year

The Holiday Season has come and gone, with it’s festivities and colors lighting up the winter darkness. And it’s January 1st once more. We have again accomplished that crossing between year’s end and another beginning.

As we reflect on this crossing, make promises or resolutions. and set our sights on the challenges and adventures that beckon ahead, we may pause to contemplate that yet another year of our life has gone by.

One can see time as passing by, and we can also see that we are travelers, participants on a journey of possibilities from youth to the wisdom of old age—through days, months and years.

It is a journey not to be feared, writes Thomas Moore in his book Ageless Soul, The Lifelong Journey Toward Meaning and Joy.[1] Rather, he writes, it should be embraced and cherished. In Moore’s view, aging is the process by which one becomes a more distinctive, complete, fulfilled, loving, and connected person. May this be, in 2018, a promise for you and all your loved ones.

We, at The Family Business Leader™, wish you and all your family
a very wonderful and prosperous New Year.

 

1  Moore. Thomas. (2010) Ageless Soul: The Lifelong Journey Toward Meaning and Joy, New York, New York: St. Martin’s Press.