Listening, Learning, and Growing

Last week, a colleague who works in the field of aging wrote on LinkedIn that she was hurting as a result of the events taking place in Israel and Gaza. She began her post by asking if anyone could relate to how she was feeling. As someone also hurting as a result of the events taking place in Israel and Gaza, I responded that I thought I could.

The thing is, she identified herself as an Arab, and a Muslim, with ties to people living in Palestine--and I am an American, and a Jew, with ties to people living in Israel. Theoretically, the opposite sides of the same coin. But with so much in common, as well.

In many ways, such is the case with those of us from different generations who must grapple with the negative stereotypes associated with ageism. Assumptions made by and about us based on preconceived notions, misinformation, and little to no desire for understanding. If only we would be willing to listen to each other, we might have a chance to learn--and to grow--in ways that would benefit us all.

The fact is, I have learned a great deal from my adult children over the past several years--they have challenged me and my beliefs in ways I could not have on my own. I have listened. I have learned. And I have grown. Maybe not as much as they would have liked, but I have grown, nonetheless.

Hopefully, they have, too, because my husband and I have challenged them and their beliefs, as well. The jury's still out on whether they have listened, learned, and grown. Only time will tell.

That said, one of my takeaways in the fight against ageism is that being willing to listen, learn, and—hopefully—grow is imperative to #changingthenarrative. Especially when those we are listening to and learning from come at an issue from the other side of the same coin.

And so, I will close this post as my colleague did hers a week ago:

“. . . When we become curious about the paths people are walking, we leave no room for judgment . . . hold space for everyone, as everyone is hurting, regardless of what team they are on.”

Here’s to listening and learning and growing—together . . .