My, How You Have or Haven’t Changed.

The following is a story I sent out to coworkers about changes that we make in life…

Over the summer I attended a variety of events. A few brought me back to the old days, grade school and high school. I was reintroduced to a gal I went to third grade with when she said, “You haven’t changed”. Surprised a bit, I replied, “Really, at that time I was round and wore really big glasses and had really long black frizzy hair”. She insisted to beg to differ with me. Oh well, I guess I see myself different, a bit taller and wearing contact lenses and makeup, and that round part of me has shifted a bit.

I proceeded to meet up with two gentlemen, one whom I remember (’cause I ran into him last year and he blew me away with his changes - he is a doctor now) and he told me I looked better now than in high school; thanks (I think) Mike. (I have changed.)

The other had no clue who I was though. We went to high school together and were part of the graduating class of 1987. Tho’ I actually forgot him too, he had CHANGED. Boy, and for the better! He kept looking at me going, Monica? Really, Monica? I responded “Yes, but I am so embarrassed, you are who?” Ugh… he was Steve. “Steve from Lansford, from Marian High School, remember physics?” Thinking back, I finally recalled, “Um… oh my god yes!”

I also had the opportunity to meet up with my 4^th grade teacher, who is now the principal from my grade school in Tamaqua. (We tailgated together at a Phillies game.) I walked up to her, took off my sunglasses and said “Mrs. M, do you remember me?” She said “Of course I do, you are Monica Akins.” A bit shocked that she recognized me, “How did you know?”. “You haven’t changed much, but I’d know that smile and that laugh.” I guess some things really don’t change.

Basically, when making the changes in life, are you making the right changes, ones that have a positive impact? Or are you focusing on changes that make it difficult for people to remember you? Most people will not tell you that you look worse than they remember. (Although some will; I’ve had that happen too.) What I like to think about other people is how I felt inside just from being around them. I can admit that I am a better person for knowing them! So, while taking on our daily tasks of changing, let’s look at those changes and what impact we choose to leave.

You look marvelous even inside out!

Thanks for reading…