Amazing Times...

Amazing times.... people lament "how they wish things were like they used to be," but no matter who we try things will keep evolving and changing on its own momentum.  I'll admit that quite often I will pause and reflect on who it would be nice to go back to do some Christmas shopping in a 1960's version of my old hometown, but on reflection I know it was not a sweet as memories play it out to be.

Firstly, there were some tough things to deal with in that old small town setting.  Finding a place to park, braving the winter weather, and darting in and out of shops that had limited selection were the norm.  Plus, now if a local merchant does not stock something we can always order online- and it is at our door in two days or less.

Were those days better or worse?  I suppose it was just different.  When we look backwards into our youth there are great memories of growing up in what we feel were simpler times- however the adults of that era had their own struggles to contend with.  Savor the good memories, as it is good to stir up those warm fuzzy feelings of when we grew up.  Our parents were just as befuddled about raising us and the challenges of that time.  As you share "how it was' with the youth around you it is fine to give them the talk on what was good about those times, but just remember that it was all tempered with the reality of the moment.

Look around at what we have in today's world and be mindful that things will always change.  Some wring their hands over how to police social media, what IOS to embrace, how to make public places and homes more secure.... things so challenging that it often causes some heads to spin.  Rather than staying in the what if-bad zone, instead feel good about the new technology items that are making your life better- how did we ever live without cell phones, Amazon, Google search, social media, iPads....etc?   Temper your thoughts by realizing that in a couple of decades from now it will all be old hat as the "next new thing" will have consumed what you hold near and dear now.  Embrace the goodness of life and make what you have a positive to drive you forward!