Gerry Reid's Professional Development Tip of the Week
Be Here, Now!
My best friend, Pam, and I were married on June 25, 1966 in Berkley, Michigan, the town in which we were both raised.
Then . . . 
and now . . .
As with most people, we look back and say "Who would have ever guessed where we ended up?" Did we think we would be living in Texas? Did we think I would ever leave the security of employment at General Motors? Did we think we would have one son following a career in the Lutheran Church and another striving to be CPA? And, who could have imagined the joy of Ethan Eliel? There is no way to predict exactly where life takes us.
Back in 1966 we looked forward to an unknown future. Our best plans often were changed by circumstances. Our carefully dreamed dreams faded as we woke into the morning of the real world.
If we could go back and do it again, would we change anything? Of course! Our perspective changed over the years as we matured and experienced life. Therefore, if we could take back to "then" what we know "now" we would obviously do things differently because of the new information available. But, we can't go back. No one can.
The only thing we know for sure is where we are. We cannot change the past, except maybe our alteration of history through what we choose to remember and what we choose to forget. We do not know what the future will bring. Fame, fortune, sickness, despair, joy, happiness, disappointment, sadness - all are unpredictable. The only thing we can be certain of is "now."
Where are you "now?" Sitting in front of your computer! But where are you going? Are you enjoying this day and these moments in your life and career? If you don't like the way things are, do something now to change them. If you like the way things are, do something now to preserve them. If you find yourself bemoaning an unchangeable past, you are wasting your energy. If you are focusing on a happy and productive future that is wonderful! Be certain what you do with this day is relevant to where you want to be in the future.
However, through all of your future focusing, all your devoted planning and work, remember this: Once you get to your future you will most likely be saying, "Who would have ever guessed where we ended up?"
A mentor of mine once said, "Be here, now. You'll never past this point again."
Plan your future, but enjoy the now. Appreciate the trip you are on and those you are traveling with. The satisfaction and pleasure are in the journey, not the destination.
The best therapy for stress is to spend some extra time today your best friend. Hopefully that person is the one you want to spend the rest of your life with. Talk about the past, then put it away. Envision the future and plan for it. Then, enjoy each other in the now. It is the only place to be!
P.S. What is the "Professional Development Tip" in this message? Sorry to say, if you missed it, it is already past. Maybe next week's tip will help. Right now the best thing to do is to move on.
© 1999 Gerry Reid. All rights reserved.