Periodically I ponder the inevitable point at which some things will end. What will it be like to retire some number of years down the road? What will go through my mind and heart when relationships change because of geography, work changes, illness, unforeseen events, and even death? What organizations and affiliations will cease to be a part of my life as I choose to leave some behind and connect with others instead?
Change itself isn’t something that necessarily scares me. I have enough of a rebel spirit within me to take out on new adventures and to take risks. As a lifelong learner, I’m not content to stay where I am in life’s circumstances, knowledge, capabilities or service. To live is to grow and learn.
Moving forward in a solid, focused direction means that you can’t spend too much time looking in the rear view mirror. You need to be aware of the past and learn from it, but you can’t let it keep you from going where you need to go in the future.
We reach crossroads along the way that force us to make a decision regarding which path is next. Do we keep going in the same direction? Do we veer off in some new direction? Do we return to where we have been?
As you might suspect, I’m pondering change. I’ve made no decisions. I may not change anything yet. There is no need to rush a decision.
If I decide for change, I’ll remember the wisdom of Dr. Seuss – today’s leap year lesson #285: “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened!”
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