There’s a certain charm in the old-school ways, isn’t there? Especially those Baby Boomer habits that seem to have been lost in the sea of technology.
I’m talking about those wholesome practices that were all about building character, the kind you can’t quite capture with a smartphone or an app.
Think about it. There’s something to be said for those time-tested traditions that helped shape a generation.
And sometimes, these forgotten gems can teach us a thing or two about developing character, even in this tech-driven world we live in.
Follow along as I share seven forgotten boomer habits that build character in ways technology never will. These might just make you rethink how you’re living your life today.
1) Penning handwritten letters
There’s something magical about receiving a handwritten letter, isn’t there?
Boomers know this feeling well. Long before text messages and emails, handwritten letters were the norm. They were not just about conveying a message, but also about sharing a piece of oneself.
Sure, it took time and effort.
But that’s precisely what made it special. In writing each word by hand, in choosing the right stationery, in sealing and mailing the envelope, one was investing a part of themselves into the communication.
Today, our interactions are largely digital, quick and efficient. But have we lost something in the process? That personal touch, perhaps?
Handwritten letters were not just about communication. They were exercises in patience, thoughtfulness and self-expression – attributes that build character in ways that technology never quite manages to replicate.
Maybe next time, instead of shooting off an email or a text, consider going old-school. Write a letter by hand.
It might take more time, but it could also offer something priceless – a chance to build character and show someone you genuinely care.
2) Taking the time to read physical books
Now, I’ve got nothing against Kindle or any other eReader. In fact, I own one myself and it’s a lifesaver when I’m traveling.
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But there’s something about the feel of a real, physical book in your hands that technology just can’t replicate.
I remember when I was a kid, my parents – both boomers – had a nook in our house that they called the reading corner.
It was filled with all sorts of books, from novels to encyclopedias. They would spend hours there, completely engrossed in their reading.
This wasn’t just about passing the time. It was about expanding the mind, building imagination and developing focus – things that are so crucial to character building.
In this digital age, it’s easy to get caught up in scrolling through screens and forget the joy of flipping through the pages of a book. But trust me, there’s something incredibly rewarding about immersing yourself in a good book.
Why not give it a try? Pick up a physical book and lose yourself in its pages. You might just rediscover a forgotten habit that builds character in ways no device can.
3) Cooking from scratch
The Boomer generation grew up in an era where home-cooked meals were a daily routine, not an occasional luxury.
Instead of dialing for takeout or popping a ready-meal into the microwave, they took the time to prepare their food from scratch.
Why does this matter? Well, consider this: A study showed that cooking at home is linked to a healthier diet. Not only that, but it also promotes a sense of accomplishment and creativity.
Cooking from scratch is an art – it’s about understanding ingredients, experimenting with flavors, and mastering techniques. It’s a hands-on experience in patience, perseverance, and problem-solving.
In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook the value of slow-cooking a meal. But maybe it’s time to dust off those cookbooks and get back to the basics.
After all, good things often take time – and that includes both delicious meals and character building.
4) Engaging in meaningful conversations
In a world of emojis and 280-character limits, the art of meaningful conversation can seem like a relic from the past. But back in the Boomer era, it was the norm.
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Long before smartphones made us look down, people looked at each other. They listened, responded, and engaged. Conversations were about understanding perspectives, not just waiting for your turn to speak.
These meaningful interactions helped build empathy, respect, and interpersonal skills – qualities that are integral to a well-rounded character.
In today’s digital age, it’s all too easy to hide behind screens and superficial chats. But real character-building comes from authentic human connections.
Next time you’re catching up with someone, why not put the phone away? Make eye contact, listen actively and engage genuinely. You might be surprised at how much you learn – about others and yourself.
5) Enjoying solitude
There was a time when I was scared of being alone. The quietness, the stillness, it all felt unnerving. But then, I started noticing an old habit of my parents – both Boomers. They seemed to cherish their alone time.
Reading a book, gardening, or simply sitting in silence with a cup of coffee – they found joy in solitude.
This wasn’t about being isolated or lonely. It was about spending time with oneself, reflecting on life, processing thoughts and emotions.
It took me a while to understand this. But when I did, it was transformative. I realized that enjoying solitude doesn’t equate to loneliness.
It’s an opportunity for self-reflection and growth – and that’s an essential part of character building.
In today’s hyper-connected world, we’re rarely truly alone. But perhaps we could all benefit from a little more me time. Time to enjoy our own company, to think, to reflect, and to simply be.
It’s not always easy, but it’s often in the quiet moments that we learn the most about ourselves.
6) Practicing patience
In the Boomer era, there was no such thing as instant gratification. If you wanted something, you saved for it. If you started a project, you stuck with it till the end. Things took time, and that was okay.
This practice of patience taught an invaluable lesson: good things come to those who wait.
It cultivated an understanding of the value of time, the importance of perseverance, and the satisfaction of achieving a goal through hard work.
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In our current culture of now, where everything from information to shopping is available at our fingertips, patience can seem like a lost virtue. But its importance in character building remains.
Next time you’re tempted to take a shortcut or give up when things get tough, take a moment. Breathe.
Remember that patience isn’t about waiting passively; it’s about staying committed and focused while you wait for your efforts to bear fruit. It’s a Boomer habit worth reviving.
7) Valuing experiences over possessions
Boomers were never about the latest gadget or the flashiest car. Instead, they placed value on experiences – family meals, road trips, picnics in the park, conversations around the fireplace.
These experiences brought joy, created memories, and most importantly, built character. They taught lessons about love, friendship, understanding, and life that no material possession ever could.
In our consumer-driven society, it’s easy to believe that happiness can be purchased. But the truth is, it’s the intangible experiences that truly enrich us.
The next time you’re debating between buying that new gadget or investing in an experience, remember this: Things fade with time, but memories last forever. Choose wisely.
Reflecting on the past
Considering these long-forgotten boomer habits, it’s clear that character building isn’t about the latest technology or modern conveniences. It’s about patience, meaningful interactions, and valuing experiences over possessions.
The philosopher Socrates once said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.”
In a world that often values speed and efficiency over depth and understanding, these old-school habits invite us to slow down, examine our lives, and build character with intentionality.
Let’s take a cue from the boomers and rediscover those habits that have stood the test of time. After all, sometimes the best way to move forward is by taking a look back.
As we navigate this fast-paced digital age, let’s not forget these valuable lessons from the past. They just might hold the key to building character in ways technology never will.
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