We are born to mentor

The Lifelong Journey of Mentorship and Emotional Growth

From the moment we are born, we embark on a mentorship journey that shapes who we become. Just like learning to walk and talk, the desire to give back and share wisdom is ingrained in us. We are not just built to grow physically; we are designed to evolve emotionally, finding fulfillment in the ways we contribute to others throughout our lives.

I write about this journey in The Mentorship Edge, "At birth we begin an emotional journey that propels us from the vulnerability of infancy, where we rely on trust in those who care for us, to the autonomy of childhood, where we eagerly embrace new experiences and master skills. This climb continues from adolescence, where we form our enduring identity, through young adulthood, where we form meaningful relationships, through later adulthood, where we focus on productively giving, and culminating in our senior years, where we reflect on our life’s journey (hopefully positively)."

Our early years

Our early years are centered on physical growth and development. We climb a steep incline, reaching the peak of our physical abilities in our early 20s. But as the physical trajectory begins to decline, many fear the changes that come with aging. What they often overlook is that our emotional trajectory never follows the same downward path.

Emotional development

In fact, our emotional growth is a steady incline from birth until our last breath. Our emotions, far from diminishing, continue to guide us, encouraging us to evolve, share our wisdom, and create a legacy that resonates with our life’s purpose. This ongoing emotional development often leads to greater happiness and fulfillment as we age, even as our physical abilities wane.

I am 56 as I write this. I cannot run as fast as my undergraduate students, who are in their late teens and early twenties. But, I tell them, I am happier than when I was their age. I don’t care that I need reading glasses and can’t run as fast as them. I wouldn’t trade where I am now for where I was then. Most people share this sentiment. We wouldn’t trade our emotional growth and well-being for the physical trade-offs of our younger years.

This sentiment is echoed by a client (who I write about in the book), a man in his mid-70s with COPD and limited mobility. When asked how he felt, he responded, "I feel just fine. I can read, work on the computer, and see my children and grandchildren." Despite his physical limitations, he found satisfaction and purpose in his life, challenging the assumption that aging diminishes happiness.

We are all on a mentorship journey that begins at birth, a journey driven by our innate need to connect, contribute, and grow emotionally. As we navigate the different stages of life, this journey leads us to greater fulfillment and a deeper understanding of ourselves and others. It reminds us that the true measure of a life well-lived is not found in physical prowess but in the richness of our emotional experiences and the impact we leave on those around us.