As the kids are finally out of school for the summer and a designated break is now in session, many families are planning for a trip of some type which will create new memories that everyone can look back upon. Never mind that we are just emerging from a pandemic, which changed the world for all of us and in the midst of it, we were given the opportunity to re-evaluate our priorities. I noticed among my own inner circle of folks that as much as everyone wants to get out and do something away from home, there are plans among many of them to re-connect with family and friends, some of which they have not seen for well over a year. One of the things I do appreciate most about social media is that I can go on a journey with someone on their trip and feel the emotions through pictures of the places or people they are connecting with. I have also been able to keep up with the growing number of family members as I see what used to be little nieces and nephews, who are now becoming adults and coming into their own as grown-ups from a distance. Whether we are able to witness things in person or from afar, it is something to be thankful for that we are still alive and able to have these new experiences. I have also not lost sight of the fact that during the worst part of the pandemic, we either lost people in our own families or knew of others who did, which caused much grief that still lingers today. From being on lockdown, so to speak, I also came to appreciate some of the simple items related to catching up with someone face-to-face. There are so many instances these days where people seem to have the least amount of time, which contributes to less family dinners and even less direct human connection. As a result, we can all now appreciate being able to hug someone and look at them straight in the eye, while having a conversation which may have been interrupted over the course of a year and half or so. Just recently, I had pictures from friends traveling in Mexico City as they explored the majestic pyramids and family members on an adventure in Lake Tahoe. In addition, I had the privilege of catching up for a fun dinner with two very close friends, which brought some much-needed laughter and hugs at the end. I thought about the new appreciation that I now have for things like this, which I previously took for granted. Our reset buttons have all been pressed, whether we liked it or not and we all can approach things differently as a result. I know that many of us hope to not go through anything else like this in the rest of our lifetimes, however, I hope we all learn to appreciate the gift of what this button has done. As many of you plan for a family get away somewhere soon, I hope that you are thoughtful and calculated in enjoying the luxury of having the ability to do so, especially when others are still not able to. Therefore, plan with great ambition and experience new sights and sounds, as you add to the collection of wonderful memories which may have been on hold. Remember that the opportunity to re-engage in many of life's great experiences are all a gift which we should all continue to be grateful for, as many of us re-acclimate to a different world now with a new regenerated perspective.
“Change your thoughts and you can change your world.”
― Norman Vincent Peale
