2023 Advice Through the Generations
Deidra Bowling-Meade
Ashland Beacon
It’s hard to believe that we are almost through the first month of 2023! I’m sure resolutions were started for the new year with some still being kept and others being broken. As we continue through 2023, let’s take a look at some local words of wisdom and well wishes from different generational perspectives. The words of the wise from young children through adults in their nineties are definitely worth implementing in 2023.
Advice from Kids
Mack Meade, age 6
“Listen to God. Help people, and don’t just stand there staring at them.”
Oliver Womack, age 7
“Keep trying!”
Sophie Griffith, age 9
“Just keep doing what you're doing, and you'll make something great out of it.”
Brock Cumpton, age 10
“Work hard on whatever you’re doing and don’t give up. Push through the hard work and it’ll all pay off.”
Delaney Calhoun, age 11
“Join a team sport. You can make new friends and learn a lot about cooperation. You also get to experience winning and losing together.”
Isaac Calhoun, age 11
“Be creative in 2023. Try a new craft. Give art a try. If you don’t write very often, give it a shot. Experience creating music for the first time. The sky is the limit to your creativity.”
Brandon Bush, age 12
“You have one decision to make every day–will you choose to be happy or will you choose to live life in sadness and fear? Happiness is a choice…choose to smile each day.”
Advice From Teens
Dylan Todd, age 16
“Greatness comes from a collection of habits. It’s not a singular trait. It’s not something you’re born with, but what you do over and over again, day after day.”
Chloe Hayes, age 17
“Focus on yourself, and do what makes you happy without worrying what people think.”
“Kylie Thompson, age 17
“Cherish each moment, and never take anything for granted.”
Ethan Parsons, age 18
“Make the most of the one life you have.”
Advice from Those
in Their Twenties
Austin Cumpton
“Respond to negativity with positivity.”
Zoe Gallegos
“Take three seconds to just breathe if you’re stressed or anxious.”
Autumn Murphy
“Even when life gets hectic and people are continuously asking you out to do things, make sure that you take some time for yourself. Care about your mental and physical health. Sometimes that means saying no to people.”
Oliva Parsons
“Pick one thing that you’ve always wanted to do/learn and do it. You’re never too old to try something new.”
Advice from Those
in Their Thirties
Ryan Bonner
“Always look to seek out knowledge from those wiser than you. Look for answers from people you know have been through or worked through the same adversity you may be facing. Be humble enough to know that you don't have all the answers, but there is certainly help out there!”
Brittany Hall
“Everyday is a new opportunity to be a better version of who you are than you were the day before - don’t take that lightly. Stay in your lane. Getting distracted by comparing yourself to others will take you nowhere. Laugh and laugh often. It is spiritually, mentally, physically, and emotionally necessary. Laugh everyday.”
Maranda Prevatt
“Resolve to live each day from a place of compassion for others’ experiences.
Many of our pains with day to day circumstances and frustrations with others can be conquered with empathy. Allowing yourself to see a moment through the lense of someone else, can result in all involved walking away with contentment.”
Ali Wilcox
“Do something for yourself everyday no matter how small. It could be getting in a quick workout, reading a chapter of a book, or taking a hot bath. We often get so caught up in our work lives and helping others that we forget to take care of ourselves. If you aren’t taking care of yourself and your mental health, you won’t be able to give your best to everything else.”
Advice From Those
in Their Forties
Meredith Calhoun
“Take care of your mental and physical health. Surround yourself with positive people who will support you and understand your desire to ‘be better.’ These steps will also help you be more attentive and empathetic towards others’ physical and mental needs.”
Jason Cook
Your character means everything. Do what you say. Show up on time. Give your all anytime you can. Personal accomplishments come from others trusting you to do the job.
Tami Cook
Accept your shortcomings. I spent a lot of years thinking I had to be perfect at everything, which caused me to have anxiety and self-doubt. I’ve come to realize that there are things I’m just never going to excel at and that’s ok. I focus on what I do well and ask for help in the areas I struggle.
Amy Cumpton
Buy in bulk–saves gas and time in the long run.
Brandi Cumpton
“Be kind, generous and helpful to others without expectations of it being returned.”
Lora Parsons
Just love people. They’re worthy of that despite what they say or do. Look beyond the surface, dig deep if you have to, and just sincerely, thoroughly love people.
Trey Parsons
“Take things a step at a time. Be good to yourself if you don’t get it.”
Erin Womack
“Be kinder and more sympathetic to each other. Try to see the best in others instead of faults or flaws. Give more than you did the year before–give of your time, give of your talents, give of your heart!”
Travis Womack
“Always wear sunscreen!”
Check back next week for advice from those in their fifties and up.