I do not know about you, but this time of year always reminds me of getting ready for the new school year to begin. Now it will not surprise many of you to know that I loved school - but something slightly more interesting; I really loved the yearly search for brand new stationary.
Why did I like stationary more? Going into town with your friends, looking in WHSmiths for the nicest folders, patterned pencils, and smelliest erasers. (I had a fondness for fountain pens and still use them today.) These days it’s all about the backpack or rucksack but back in my day, it was all about the paper you backed your books with.
Even now if I’m starting a new business project...I grab a new notebook, different colored pens, and highlighters. (I still think best with a pencil or pen in my hand.) That brand-new page brings hope, excitement, and untold possibilities. I could do anything, create anything, be anything; a world-class artist, a builder, a scientist, or a play write. I could change the world.
Reminiscing is good for you. But you can’t live in the past. Yes, look back and remember the great stuff, think about what made you you! What did you make out of that blank piece of paper?
“The past is kind enough to give you lessons. The present is kind enough to give you opportunities. The future is kind enough to give you both.”
This seasonal change in the year seems like a natural time to review achievements. More importantly, it’s the right time to think about what I am going to do with the last 4 months of the year. I use the experiences of earlier in the year to power me on to the next things I want to achieve.
Does the start of September feel like the beginning of something new to you? If so, grab that feeling with both hands and use it. Go on, get your stationery ready, find that blank page and create something amazing!
COVID 19 reflections.
On a slightly different note, for those of you with children going back to school this year is a little different. You might be relieved they are going back to school and getting out of the house. Will you take a moment to remember the time you spent together over the last 6 months? Yes, it will have been testing, but there will have been so, many great moments that if you don’t acknowledge them they will be lost in the history of this weird year.
Inspiring Video
This is a great talk to spark your thoughts.