Past, Present, and Future

Past, Present, and Future
- Look at the whole picture -

My folks just got back from their winter destination last week. Yes, they’re snow birds! This weekend I brought the whole family to Mom and Dad’s for dinner, and we had a little post celebration of my birthday. My aunt and uncle were also there. Everyone sang happy birthday in the traditional sense and when it came to singing my name they all sang out, “Happy Birthday dear, JOEY…”

Joey. It’s a name I don’t hear very often anymore. It felt good to hear Joey (and now after this Wisdom, I’m guessing I’ll hear it a lot more). It’s people I connected with at a very different time of my life. When someone addresses me as “Joey” I know it’s someone I knew before high school. For some reason, my name became “Joe” in the 9th grade.

Have you taken the time to appreciate where you’ve been? We often simply focus on the future. Have you noticed that? “As soon as I close that deal. As soon as the kids are on their own. As soon, as soon, blah, blah.” What about now? What about where you’ve been?

It’s very important to look to the future, but it’s equally important to remember where you’ve been and where you are right now in the present. What kind of home did you live in 10 years ago and where are you now? What was your family like 10 years ago, where are you now? What kind of money were you making 10 years ago and where are you now?

I think you’ll find that you are green and growing! Celebrate that fact. How about the people in your life? Friends, family, sons and daughters, subordinates, aren’t they growing and becoming better? Do you pat them on the back and give encouragement? The more we acknowledge and reward success the more success will come. It’s just how it works. Please join me as we celebrate the past, present, and future!

- Joe Kiedinger -

ACTION PLAN: Enjoy!