Lessons We Learn as Adults That We Never Thought We Needed

Adult life is a journey filled with unexpected lessons. Most of us think we are well-versed with the basics of life, such as knowing that possums are living creatures and not just roadkill. However, there are many other important life skills and realizations that can only truly be appreciated after adulthood.

1. The Reality of Possums

For many, the understanding that possums are real animals, and not just roadside sacrifices, comes later in life. As a child, I believed a popular myth that possums were born dead on the side of the road. This belief persisted until my 25th year when I realized it was a harmless joke. My father’s motivation was to console me after seeing a dead animal, and it was disappointing to finally see a living possum.

2. The Art of Eating a Baked Potato

Another lesson from childhood often overlooks the nuances of culinary delights. While my mother never wrapped potatoes in foil, she did not teach me the varied ways of preparing a baked potato. It wasn’t until adulthood that I discovered the joys of smearing butter all over a fresh, hot, un-wrapped potato. Similarly, the distinction between medium-rare and well-done meats was a discovery that had to wait until I was older. My mother’s insistence on cooking beef medium-well to avoid food poisoning taught me an unnecessary caution that only changed when I experienced the nuances of proper preparation.

3. The Value of Personal Boundaries

Understanding and respecting personal boundaries is a crucial aspect of human relationships. This was a lesson I learned much later in life, specifically after leaving a marriage. It was an eye-opening moment to realize that no one should make you feel uncomfortable or force you to touch them. Had I known this earlier, I might have handled my relationships differently.

4. The Impact of Interpersonal Actions

Personal actions and choices can influence the lives of others directly, even at the managerial level. As a young and ambitious leader, I believed I had all the answers and could manage a large company efficiently. However, the experience of managing hundreds of people and taking a 17-restaurant chain out of federal bankruptcy taught me the personal touch is crucial. For instance, closing 10 restaurants and personally firing 450 employees in a single week was challenging but essential. This experience taught me that treating the hiring and firing processes with empathy and respect could significantly impact the lives of those involved. It's a lesson that underscores the importance of human connection and dignity in every phase of professional life.

5. Personal Fulfillment and Self-Discovery

As an adult, I learned that it is okay to embrace personal activities like self-expression, whether it's through self-play. This realization can bring immense joy and satisfaction in a world that often expects us to conform rigidly. It's essential to allow oneself to experience and enjoy life in diverse ways, including moments of solitude and personal pleasure.

These lessons, while not always apparent in our early years, provide a rich tapestry of understanding that shapes our lives in profound ways. Embracing these realizations as adults can lead to significant personal growth and a deeper appreciation for the complexities of life.