Wisdom, much to the disappointment of many, is not available in liquid or pill form, osmosis, or any type of absorption. It’s acquired through knowledge and experience. The former is time-consuming, the latter often painful. Perhaps that’s why many lose interest. For those on the fast track, wisdom can seem incredibly slow to inspire. Reading one book and applying the information doesn’t suffice. Wisdom requires introspection and study, with inevitable errors made while trying to live it. Eventually wise decision-making reaps rewards, but it’s a process.

Rather serious, heavy thoughts for warm summer days when many are considering vacations, ice cream treats and a dip in the pool. Wisdom is necessary throughout all of life, and some believe it’s only acquired after considerable personal experiences. Sometimes that’s how it happens, but it can also be learned from others’ input when it’s shared without judgment or insistence that only one way is the right way.

Concerning that age factor, it is true that as we advance in age and ideally grace, we recognize varied ways of achieving goals. Very few decisions have only one right choice. We learn that as we travel life’s many roads. Like countless folks and friends who grew up decades ago, I regret wasting even the briefest time fussing about myriad details that when reduced to their simplest form are without absolute answers. What’s the prime age for marriage and to have children; does having children too close together create problems for them; will children suffer if they attend daycare; will they be able to learn social skills if they don’t go to daycare; and the list went on. And such decision-making was sometimes overwhelming.

My children now have children of their own and they also spend time and energy considering these and other questions. The best age for a child to have a cell phone; will not learning cursive writing be a disadvantage; are non-organic foods harmful to the family and many other concerns I didn’t have to consider.

Maybe instead of spending our time and resources on discovering the “right” answer, we should learn ways to adapt in the event what we thought would be the best response turns out differently than expected. We’re confronted with endless options and choices, none of which come with guarantees. Perhaps the wisdom lies in realizing we can make a mistake or misjudge circumstances, but if we follow through with diligence and determination, we’ll rebound and at the very least, learn what not to do the next time. Yes, I realize, sometimes there isn’t a next time, but living with constant fear and pessimism benefits no one.

Dictionary.com defines wisdom as “knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action, discernment or insight.” I like that. “Just judgment” as opposed to arbitrary decisions is more helpful. Questions continue and insights are needed as we age. When’s the best time to take Social Security; stay in the family home or downsize; this supplementary insurance or that; what’s the best way for living healthy?

Wisdom also involves caring and researching enough to ask necessary questions, following through with what seems to be appropriate responses, and learning ways to adapt whatever the outcomes. And accepting that wise decisions can be the most difficult.