“They say wisdom comes with age, and I think peace does as well.”

I’ve read and reread and reread this quote a lot since I came across it. I wonder if this quote is a bit of a challenge to each of us? In my mind’s eye I can see her saying this sentence. Her high-pitched voice with an almost hint of a lisp, her gigantic smile, and I’m betting she cocked her head when she said it – just a little bit.

Knowing things is one thing. Wisdom is quite another. Here in the South we’d say “it’s a whole ‘nother thing”. Definitions of wisdom include some reference to a quality of being wise, or to the combination of knowing something and coupling that with good judgment. It’s not enough to know how to do something or how to navigate a certain scenario or how to design the best widget. Wisdom is all that with sprinkles on top. Wisdom is having a giant toolbox, and also knowing when to use a screwdriver as a screwdriver and when to use it as a hammer.

Where am I going with this? Well, peace. I’ve noticed that I’m a lot less reactive now in my mid-fifties than I was in my mid-twenties or mid-thirties. I get curious first far more than I get defensive or offended. I’m more comfortable with who I am, how I see the world, and how I take action and engage with the world. I’m far more at peace thanks to the experience and years and gray hairs I’m lucky enough to have. And I’m certain my judgment is better. Certainly my capacity for exercising good judgment is better. I think with age comes peace, and with peace comes wisdom. Peace plus wisdom is a recipe for great leadership.

Be like Dolly. Embrace the gift of age.