“The snake which
cannot cast its skin
has to die.”
~ Friedrich Nietzsche
Brazilian author Paulo Coelho wrote, “Our life is a constant journey, from birth to death. The landscape changes, the people change, our needs change, but the train keeps moving. Life is the train, not the station.” Not the most earth-shattering quote, for sure, but I think it’s a good idea to remind ourselves from time to time that change is inevitable. It’s going to happen, and we need to be perceptive enough to recognize it and courageous enough to accept it.
The image above reveals a young man who had just turned twenty years of age. Who I was in June 1974 is considerably different than the man I am today. I was confident. I was open to new adventures. I was in excellent physical condition. I had hopes and plans for my future, though I had no idea what my future would actually bring. My life at that time was an empty book waiting to be written. The 1974 me had no idea what the 2022 me would be like.
Almost 48 years have passed since that photo was taken. During this time, I continued my education, gained valuable experience in a variety of work settings, met countless people who influenced my life in positive ways, endured a few individuals who made my life difficult, and learned a number of important life lessons, not the least of which is that I am a good person. During this time, I improved as a communicator, a negotiator, a writer, a public speaker, and a community organizer. During this time, I became a husband, a parent to three competent young men, and “papa” to four beautiful grandchildren. It’s been an amazing journey.
Experience has a way of influencing our world view. Not surprisingly, I have changed in many ways since 1974. I would like to believe that most of the changes have been improvements, but I’m aware that cannot be said for all the changes.
To put those 48 years in perspective, if we were to look back 48 years from the time the photo above was taken in 1974, it would take us to 1926! My father was less than a year old at the time. Mom had not yet been born. The president of the United States was Calvin Coolidge. And if we look 48 years into the future from today, we find ourselves in the year 2070 — and trust me, 2070 will be here sooner than we can imagine.
American author John C. Maxwell wrote, “Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.” Much has changed in my life since 1974. I am well aware that some of the changes in my life have not been for the better, but I’m confident that, for the most part, I am a better person today because of the experiences and people who have helped me to change, and grow, in so many ways.
It was interesting attending my 50-Year Reunion from St. Ignatius College Preparatory a few weeks ago. Most of the guys who attended hadn’t seen me in half a century. I had the opportunity to engage in conversation with some of my former classmates, but not as many as I would have liked. The thought crossed my mind that people from our past know a version of us that doesn’t exist anymore. When I looked across the room and recognized one of the guys I hadn’t seen since we graduated, I recalled what they were like in 1972. Whether this was a good image or not, I had to remind myself not to assume that the kid I knew was anything like the man present at the reunion event.
Every now and then, I have to remind myself that the same is true for me.
Yes, we change. All of us! I guess the challenge is to embrace the words of Mahatma Gandhi, who said, “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”
