Take nothing for granted… after all, life is a gift, as are relationships, and you don’t want relationships and your time to drift into that prophetic Joni Mitchell line: “don’t it always seem to go, that you don’t know what you got ‘til it’s gone…” I said goodbye to a few more friends in 2021. But I really didn’t, because there were still few formal services, few final tributes allowed. I did get to say aloha (with 100 others) pre-omicron at a beautiful December life celebration to a friend that included vintage pictures, video, songs, speeches, laughter, love, and tears. I even got to perform an air guitar tribute. And while this get-together came a year late, it still allowed many a calming sense of completion and peace. Mahalo and amen, Jerry.
If it’s to be, it’s up to me… I first heard this expression here 20-years ago at Delorese Gregoire’s invigorating “Winner’s Camp” for teens. It rings true every day- be the change you want to see, don’t wait for others or make excuses, figure out how to get it done. Be a leader in your own way- even if just for a day- rather than play the pawn. I hear people say “I don’t have time” for… whatever. But that’s all you do have- time. No matter how busy you are, it’s your time- take charge; don’t forfeit time. I understand the trials of dealing with kids, jobs and life’s necessities, but strive to make small strides to gain some control. Never more so than during a pandemic we must live, love, learn, laugh, and not let it all weigh too heavy- yes, even after two trying years!
Change is good, as long as it’s good change… ponder that concept as we approach the 2022 elections, or possible recalibrations of your work/life choices, including where to live, and other decisions you may face. It’s often fair to hear the cry for change from the dissatisfied, but formulate what that change might look like. If you believe we should simply toss ‘em all out and elect newbies, well that only works well if the new people are actually “better”. The “grass is always greener” fallacy might be smart to consider before making a headlong, under-developed leap into a new job/career, yet analysis paralysis will literally get you nowhere.
It’s now 2022… and time to think about it…