That Age

How many times have you heard the phrase: Well, they are at that impressionable age?  It is typically used to describe the actions or behaviors of kids.  Behavioral science does dictates there are certain ages where we are easily influenced; however, I contend we remain at an impressionable age our entire lives.  

Aside from the physiological changes to our mind and body as we age, the primary difference comes down to life experiences.   Unless you are a total shut in with zero input, you are always at that impressionable age.  How can you not be?  There are influences happening all the time that make some type of impression on us.  Our actions or the actions of others can influence our reactions.  Television commercials influence buying habits, books influence our way of thinking, and people in our social circles influence our actions and thought processes.  Think about most any acceptance speech you have heard from an academic, athlete, or musician.  Without fail, they will reference some influential person, God, or event which helped them get to their place in life.

Whether or not it is apparent at the time, we are always learning.  I embrace my impressionable age of 62. I look forward to each day knowing there will be some opportunity to be an inspiration, be an influence, or be influenced.  Go out today and allow yourself to be impressionable.