the quality or state of being wise; knowledge of what it true or right coupled with just judgement as to action; discernment, or insight
- wisdom by dictionary.com
Wisdom – when someone has it, people admire + esteem them for it.
It’s a quality that turns good leaders into excellent leaders; friends into family; and business people into the most influential in their profession.
The wise pave new roads + learn from every step.
Most admire the wise + think that it’s something they were simply born with. But, those people fail to recognise that they too, can be wise. And it’s something that I’ve been pondering over quite a bit lately.
I’ve learnt + observed that wisdom is not cheap. And when someone asks for advice from them, they can quite possibly leave feeling as though their words slapped their heart + pushed them back on track; because their words are saturated in truth.
Wisdom provides you with a lot of precious pearls. And each pearl has been carefully cleaned over time + experience.
Wisdom can also be likened to a diamond ring. Some won’t wear it because it’s too beautiful, but the point of having a diamond ring is to wear it. And when she does, she walks a little higher + more graceful (quite ladylike), because what she carries holds weight in value. That’s what wisdom does when you have it – it causes you to walk a little higher + with grace.
But some overcomplicate how they can capture wisdom + apply it in their lives.
So, here’s some gems I’ve gleaned from the wise souls in my own world. I’m currently in the process of living these out, won’t you join me?
:: how to capture wisdom [practically] ::
Surround yourself with wise people
You become who you hang around with, right? We all have people in our life we look at + see the wisdom + grace just oozing out of their soul… those people, hang around them. Don’t avoid them. Ask questions. Watch what they do in actions, speech, + interactions. By simply being in their presence + taking note of what they do, you’ll be refreshingly impacted.
Listen
Everyone has a story + something to say. Give people the room, space, + opportunity to speak. You’ll be amazed at what’s in people’s hearts when you smile + ask them questions about them.
Encourage
A wise person is an encouraging person. (my new motto)
Every single person has potential, but not everyone sees their own potential. That’s where you come in. No matter what someone does, encourage them, lavishly. You noticed something unique about a person? Tell them. Let people leave your presence feeling, not inflated by flattery, but stronger because you’ve built on the character + talents that they were uniquely + purposefully created with. Put courage into them (in-courage).
Think before you speak
Words shatter, build, mould, crush, sweeten, + delight. What you speak goes straight to the heart. Before you speak (or cross your arms in conversation) think about what you’re about to say… if it’s not positive, don’t say it. Simple as that.
Get back up
“Wisdom equals knowledge plus scars.” – Jeff Foxworthy
Make mistakes. Get dirt under your fingernails. Live life. And when you get knocked down (because you will), get back up. You learn + see a whole lot more when you’re walking rather than crawling on the ground.
Read
Anything + everything. There’s no end to how much reading can enrich your life…
Above all, wisdom is an admirable quality to have. Imagine a world if more people exercised it?
How do you capture wisdom?
