This is an excerpt from a recent essay.
In London, where I lived with my British husband several years ago before he passed, I always enjoyed taking the Tube, England's rail system. When your train pulls into the station, and the sliding doors slowly begin to open, you’ll hear, blasting over the loudspeaker, “MIND THE GAP!” It’s a reminder to stay alert as you step over the precarious space between the train and the platform.
I’m becoming increasingly mindful of the distinct gap widening between many of my generation’s references and those of people born ten, twenty, thirty, or forty years after us ‘boomers.’ Many years ago, I stopped asking, “Where were you when JFK was shot?”—something no one can forget— which for a long time would initiate an interesting conversation. When a young man replied, “I think my grandparents told me about that,” I struck it from my list of icebreakers. (I heard the news in my 8th-grade social studies class.)
A few years ago, I needed cash while standing at the supermarket checkout, paying for my groceries. Clerks usually have cash-back money on hand, but this young gal said her drawer was empty.
“Honey, do you need help using the ATM machine?” Helpful? Yes, but it also felt a bit insulting. Why was she calling me ‘honey,’ wondered my 70-something-year-old self. “Did I seem that much older, or so out of touch that I’m incapable of knowing how to use an ATM machine? The questions that arise from these awkward interactions can erode my self-confidence.
“Thanks, I can manage,” I replied. I’m fortunate to have been very independent for many years and, thanks to my son (and according to younger friends), I’m pretty tech-savvy. I couldn’t help but wonder how someone who actually needed the help might have felt about the woman’s tone...At least I didn’t feel invisible.
Age graces us with enlightening perspectives we can share when we stop self-scrutinizing, focus on being ourselves, and embrace what’s real—wrinkles and all. With fewer futures to consider and worry about, and fewer mountains to climb, we’re freed to feel more alive and more present—a gift younger people respond to and happily receive.
We all have so much to share and learn from each other
Throughout the upcoming holiday season, try ‘minding the gap’ between generations, whether you’re in the older or younger generation. If you’re an elder, listen to younger folk before rolling your eyes at their lingo or demeanor. It will help you stay in touch.
If you’re younger, open up to what elders might want to talk about. You might learn something new or gain a new perspective, a new way of looking at things.
Moments of engagement can also create space for a little kindness.
Fall is upon us — so is the ‘2-fer’! — a great way for Louise to help you zoom out, reframe, and move forward in new, positive ways! Available until Thanksgiving (Nov 26)
Illuminations welcomes and embraces you on your spiritual journey. Louise is here to serve by helping you make sense of this crazy world, showing you the way back to the Source, and nudging you toward your most fabulous, joyful future.